the
institution of mathematical study should be forgotten; the less so inasmuch as the science of numbers has a place among the six established arts every husbandman and soldier was acquainted with the science of the Heavens, or was it until in later years the study was stringently forbidden that those familiar with it became few. When the prohibition against the unlicensed study of astronomy was specially removed in the reign of K'ang-hi knowledge was stimulated into abundant growth and the study of the Heavens became widely diffused. Scholars, in applying themselves to the canonical writings, simultaneously studied the science of numbers; and the works such men have published show equal care in research and in verification. The proverb runs "The philosopher is disgraced by ignorance of a single thing;" and a man of letters who looks up to Heaven as he leaves his door without being able to give an account of the stars in their courses has also cause to be ashamed. Thus, even were this college not proposed today, it would still beseem us to devote study to such matters; and how much the more, then, when invitation is distinctly held forth?
As regards the assertion that it would be disgraceful to study under European teachers, this saying is even still more devoid of truth. Of all the disgrace under Heaven, there is no shame (as Mencius says) greater than that of being inferior to others. Now, the nations of Europe for 30 or 40 years past have devoted study to the construction of steamers, mutually learning from each other, and new methods of construction are daily developed. Japan also has of late despatched persons to Great Britain to study the English language and investigate mathematical science as a permanent basis for acquiring the art of steamship-building, in which, before many years are past, they may be expected to have attained proficiency. Without dwelling upon the various powerful and leading maritime nations of Europe, which mutually treat each other as equals,--if a mere insignificant state like Japan shows itself capable of eagerly striving to build up its power, whilst China alone adheres immovably to the routine of her long-descended ways, regardless of fresh activity, where, we would ask, will then be the greatest occasion for shame? If, on the contrary, we, though not holding ourselves disgraced as the inferiors of others, strive diligently to bring ourselves on a par with others, it may be, perhaps, in the future that we shall actually outstrip them. If, on the other hand, simply holding that to learn from others is disgraceful, we remain content in our position of inequality, will refraining altogether from study be the means of freeing us from disgrace?
If it be peradventure alleged that the art of construction is the business of handicraftsmen, with which scholars have no occasion to meddle, Your Servants are still further prepared to discuss this. They argue that the contents of the chapter in the Ritual of Chow entitled "Investigation of Handicraft" are devoted to the affairs of carpentry and carriage-building, and this in a book which for hundreds and thousands of years the schools have reverenced as a canonical work. And for what reason? It is because, whilst the handicraftsman exercises the art, scholars elucidate the science. It is when theory is distinctly understood that practical application grows to proportions of greatness. The study now urged is the study of theory; that is to say, it is the scholar's duty to acquire knowledge through scientific analysis, without compulsion upon men of letters and officers of government to take hold personally of mechanical pursuits. Can doubt still further exist? The matter may be summed up in these words--in study, practical application is the ultimate aim; in action, adaptation to circumstance is the most important maxim.
However, manifold the dubitancies of outside observers may be, it beseems those who are discharging official duties to determine their policy with distinctness, and Your Servants in this matter have deliberated maturely. As, however, the affair is an innovation in its incipient stage, the method proposed for it should be devised with minute care. If strict rules for study be contemplated, as a general principle, liberal pecuniary allowances must needs be granted; and where a stimulus to exertion is intended, promotion in rank must be dealt out. Regulations in six clauses have accordingly been drawn up by Your Servants in joint consultation, and these are respectfully submitted to the perusal of Your Majesties, whose Imperial sanction is reverently awaited.
It remains further to be added that if officials having taken the various Han-Lin degrees, who are naturally distinguished by their acquirements whilst the sphere of their employment is comparatively restricted, be directed to apply themselves to astronomical and mathematical study, successful achievements will doubtless be easy.
In the same way, officials of the 5th rank and under, who have taken the first-class ordinary degree, whether holding office at Peking or in the Provinces, as also graduates of the second class and of the five subsidiary degrees of the same class come under the same category, and it is therefore requested that all such individuals be invited to compete, in order to widen the field for selection.
This Memorial Your Servants humbly submit to Your Majesties the Empress Dowager and the Emperor, reverently entreating the sacred instructions as to the propriety of their views.
Sanctioned December 30th 1866.
Here follow the six Regulations above referred to, which are in effect as follows:
1.-Officials and graduates of actual rank and under the age of 30 to be exclusively admitted.
2.-Students to live within the precincts of the college.
3.-Monthly examinations to be held and qualifications to be noted.
4.-Triennial examinations to be held and appointments conferred on successful candidates.
5.-Students to be provided with their meals at the expense of Government and to receive in addition Taels 10 per mensem.
6.-Extraordinary promotion to be awarded to graduates taking a first-class at the triennial examinations.