1850.
The Shwoh Wan, or Etymologicon.
175
copy and have it printed at Kiáng-yin. In this his profound regard for learn- ing, in his love for the pure ancient style, in guiding the inexperienced, in supporting the weak, and in encouraging the rising genius so as to give stability and extension to our national literature, the courtier Ki stood pre- eminent.
But since, on examination and comparison, the works of the two brothers have been found to differ in some parts, and sometimes to be deficient or erroneous in their explanations, it has become necessary, in order fully to bring to view their classical merits, that we investigate their profound mean- ings, unfold their combined resources, trace out their ancient derivations, sustain the samne by numerous expressions, arrange all these characters into distinct and separate classes, and add a Supplement.
With the view of securing a new and improved edition, the courtier enter- ed into an arrangement with me, he engaging to have a copy prepared for the press; and, in the prosecution of this design, directed nie to edit the same. Though possessed of small abilities and incompetent to perform such a task, yet I greatly rejoice to see that it has been completed, and to our mutual satisfaction. The work having been nearly printed off, and the courtier him- self having prepared a Preface, has directed me to say a word in like man- ner, setting forth the end and object of this work.
No. 4. Recommendatory Preface by Kỉ Triunisáu, Lilerary Chancellor of Kiángsú, member of the Imperial Academy, &c. (Now assistant chief minister of the Cabinet.)
Instruction by means of the six methods of forming characters, was commenced by Ts'áng kieh, and in the Ritual of the Chau dynasty it attained great splendor, The student by the form and sound of the characters sought their meaning, by ascertaining their meaning be was able to comprehend the nature and principle of all things: this was the method universally pursued.
In the times of the Chau dynasty, the reforming influences of literature were most luminous and exceedingly abundant, opening the way for a peace- ful rule during tens of generations. After the destruction of literature by Tsin, that the great purpose of this system of instruction by the six methods of writing was rescued from complete oblivion, is owing to the author of the Etymologicon, who diligently sought out and arranged the materials compris- ed in it and transmitted them to succeeding generations. The two brothers, Sü Ting-chin and Sü Taú-kin (elsewhere called Hiuen and Kiái), by their careful elucidations perfected the work of Hu Shin. But of the works of the two brothers, the younger is by far the most lucid.
In the general promotion of literature, and in the glory conferred on literary genius, our dynasty has far exceeded its predecessors. From the form and sound of characters, the scholar is enabled to comprehend their meaning so as to acquire and communicate knowledge.
By almost every family a copy of the Etymologicon is possessed; but by for the greater part have that of the elder Sü. The Supplementary Commen- tary of the younger Sü has been published in large character by Wang of
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