Training the Heavens

Chapter 257: Scientific Journals in the Nineteenth Century

"I heard that Gezhi Academy has a large collection of books, including the latest academic journals from Europe and the United States. I wonder if I can borrow one or two?" Zhang Xingjiu was indeed treated well at the Society School, but unfortunately, this school was run by the church after all, and it focused on primary education, so it did not attach importance to academic journals.

It is very troublesome to subscribe to academic journals now, even if Zhang Xingjiu has money, he can't do it. Now that he has discovered that Gezhi Academy has it, he must borrow it quickly to read it in order to understand the current level of global scientific and technological development and decide his next main direction.

"The academy will translate and disseminate some important articles. It's no problem to lend you this part, as long as you don't lose it. The rest are mostly written in English. Do you understand English?" Fu Lan-ya asked.

"I have learned some." Zhang Xingjiu replied. He already knew English and Japanese, and he had found a teacher in school to give him one-on-one tutoring. Now he can speak English well.

"Oh? How far have you learned?" Fu Lan-ya immediately asked him a few questions in English, and Zhang Xingjiu answered them fluently.

Ma Xiangbo proudly introduced, "Don't look at Zhou Ping's young age. He learned French, English, and Spanish in just one year. Why don't you lend him a few periodicals?"

"Incredible." Fu Lan-ya was also amazed. "I can lend you the journal, but there are a lot of specialized terms in the papers, many of which don't even have standard Chinese translations. It might be a bit difficult for you to read. I'll also lend you an English dictionary. If you come across a word you don't know, you can look it up yourself."

What Fu Lan-ya found was a special English dictionary of science and technology. There were probably not many copies of such a large volume in the whole of Shanghai. If he had not met a true genius, he would definitely not be willing to lend it out.

Zhang Xingjiu took it with both hands and solemnly assured Fu Lanya, "I know this dictionary must be very valuable, so I dare not borrow it for too long. I will start reciting it when I get back and return it to you as soon as I finish it."

Fu Lan-ya was stunned when she saw the dictionary, which was as thick as a brick. "Are you kidding me? I have to memorize such a thick dictionary?"

"Zhou Ping has the ability to remember everything he sees. If you don't believe me, why not give it a try?" Ma Xiangbo had been shocked two days ago. Now seeing Fu Lanya's expression, he couldn't help but want him to experience it as well.

Fu Lan-ya immediately turned to a page and pointed to Zhang Xingjiu for demonstration. Zhang Xingjiu only glanced at it for a few seconds, then returned the dictionary to Fu Lan-ya and began to recite, ".the scientific study of matter and energy and the effect that each has on the other"

"Oh Mike, Incoredipo!" Fu Lanya's eyes widened immediately. Zhang Xingjiu's retelling was not wrong in even a single word.

“Come again, try this page!”

".the scientific study of the basic characteristics of substances and the ways in which they react or combine: She studied chemistry and physics at college"

"continue!"

“.a gradual process in which very simple atoms and molecules develop into more complex chemicals”

Zhang Xingjiu recited six pages of the dictionary in one breath in front of everyone, leaving Fu Lan-ya and the others stunned. Ma Xiangbo was particularly pleased. "If Zhou Ping had taken the imperial examination with this ability, he would have easily passed by simply finding the examiner's preferences and memorizing contemporary essay examples in advance. However, he gave up this path to success and devoted himself to scientific research. This is truly a blessing for China."

"I'm already starting to envy Jiang Siduo. It would be great if you could enroll at our Gezhi Academy first! But it doesn't matter. Oxford and Cambridge are the best universities in the world right now. I can find someone to recommend you." Fu Lan-ya couldn't help but want to poach him. Wu Lien-teh seemed to be studying at Cambridge right now. It would be nice to be his classmate. Zhang Xingjiu was actually tempted.

Ma Xiangbo quickly stopped him, "Stop, stop! When I asked Zhou Ping to come to the lecture, Father Jiang was a little worried. Now if he hears this, I'm afraid he won't dare to let Zhou Ping out. Besides, His Eminence the Bishop has already helped Zhou Ping contact a university in France. Don't try to steal his love."

"Okay." Fu Lanya could only give up regretfully.

Although he couldn't recommend Zhang Xingjiu to study in his native country, Fu Lan-ya didn't become stingy because of this. He still lent him a thick stack of journals and magazines. "After you finish reading these, you can come to the academy to borrow more. Even if I'm not in school, they will lend them to you."

"Thank you, sir." Zhang Xingjiu quickly stood up and bowed. This was a big favor and he was very grateful.

After returning to the academy, I spent a few days memorizing the thick science and technology dictionary, and then opened these journals and magazines to read. I had to read them. Today's English writing habits and special vocabulary are somewhat different from those of later generations. If I read them directly with the English level of later generations, I might make mistakes.

The first book he read was the issue of Nature in which Xu Shou had published his article. The printing quality was quite good, and even though more than ten years had passed and he had traveled across the ocean, the handwriting was still clearly visible.

By reading these "Nature" magazines, Zhang Xingjiu also learned the current level of development of the world's cutting-edge technology. He only had a vague impression before, but now the understanding is clearer.

After reading several books, he discovered something interesting: Darwin seemed to regard "Nature" as his own exclusive publication, and his articles appeared in several issues of the magazine.

It is said that he published 41 articles in Nature in ten years, a publication speed that would be enough to make future scientists jealous.

In addition to "Nature", Zhang Xingjiu also read magazines such as "Science" in the United States, "Annals of Natural History" in the United Kingdom, "Annals of Chemistry" in France, and "Annals of Physics" in Germany. Most of these are also top publications in later generations.

We are now in a critical period of formalization of scientific journals. In the mid-nineteenth century, the journals of most newly established scientific organizations were basically modeled after the Royal Society's "Philosophical Transactions". They were quarto, wide-margin, large font, and printed on high-quality glossy paper. They often contained a large number of hand-painted color illustrations. They were often published at irregular intervals, and the number of issues was arranged at a leisurely pace.

There is no doubt that such journals are expensive and the price cannot be lowered. In addition, the irregular publishing rhythm leads to low print and sales volumes, which is very unfavorable for the dissemination of the latest scientific achievements.

Some knowledgeable people, such as Lockyer, the first editor-in-chief of Nature, noticed these problems and corrected them in time. By publishing regularly, emphasizing the timeliness of academic discoveries rather than just the long-term value of knowledge, and focusing on practicality rather than lengthy presentations, they redefined the practical significance of a "scientific journal."

Coupled with the development of printing, photography, transportation, communication and other technologies, scientists around the world can finally learn about the latest developments in the scientific field more quickly, conveniently and cheaply.

Alas, the world is developing so rapidly, but China is still in slumber. When Zhang Xingjiu thought of this, his mood became heavier.

(End of this chapter)