Modernization China (2 results)

Condition: Fine. The book is in fine condition.

First edition, issued by Shanghai's Jiangnan Arsenal as part of the late-Qing "self-strengthening movement", during which a wave of radical commercial, scientific, and legal changes aimed to rapidly modernize China's economy. The text was overseen by John Fryer (1839-1928), who translated more Western scientific works into Chinese than any other 19th-century sinologist. In 1868, Fryer was recruited by the Jiangnan Arsenal, a hotbed of political and military reform, to join its dedicated Translation Office. Over the next three decades, he produced dozens, perhaps even hundreds, of publications for the use of trainee officers and scientists. For the present work, Fryer co-operated with the Westernized engineer Zhong Tianwei (1840-1900) and drew inspiration from provisions introduced in successive British parliamentary Acts regulating merchant shipping. Sections discuss systems of signal lights, how ships can safely pass alongside each other, and best practices for pilots and navigators. Quarto (295 x 175 mm), ff. 1, 38, 25. Illustrations in text; text in Chinese. Near-contemporary brown wrappers, renewed xianzhuang stitching, Recent bookseller's manuscript ticket on rear binder's blank. Wrappers dust-soiled, front cover sometime repaired at foot with repurposed piece of printed paper, rear cover with a little worming at head, extending into margin of last 2 printed leaves: very good.