On the Achievements of Translator Ma Junwu in the Field of Science and Technology Translation

Abstract

During the Republic of China era, amid the intensification of aggression by Western powers, the deepening of the national crisis, and the advocacy of science and democracy by the New Culture Movement, a massive wave of science and technology translation emerged. This wave of science and technology translation marked the beginning of China’s comprehensive and in-depth introduction of the western modern science and technology system, playing a crucial role in driving the transformation of China’s traditional knowledge system towards modernization. It laid a solid ideological and knowledge foundation for subsequent scientific and technological development and social transformation. During this period, Ma Junwu, driven by a deep sense of patriotism, dedicated himself to the translation of scientific and technological literature. With his profound academic accomplishments and strong patriotic fervor, he became a significant promoter in this field. His life’s work includes a wealth of translations, covering western scientific and technological works in multiple disciplines such as biology, mineralogy, and chemistry. Ma Junwu was a renowned political activist and educator during the Republic of China era, yet his scientific and technological ideas and contributions remain relatively unknown. This paper conducts a systematic study of Ma Junwu’s translations of scientific and technological literature, starting with his life story and translation activities, and organizing materials related to his translations of scientific and technological literature. Through this, it analyzes the idea of serving the country through translation and his contributions to the translation of scientific and technological literature, summarizing the characteristics of Ma Junwu’s scientific and technological ideas and their underlying philosophical connotations. Ma Junwu’s scientific and technological ideas had a considerable impact on Chinese society at the time. Exploring the enlightenment brought by Ma Junwu’s scientific and technological ideas is of great help to China’s current implementation of the great strategy of rejuvenating the country through science and education and to better cultivating scientific and technological talents.