【Haichuan. 【Pioneer in the Chemical Industry】Zhang Zigao – The founder of chemistry education at Tsinghua University, hailing from Zhijiang, Hubei

This post was last edited by FishSwimmingInTheDesert on 2018-11-21 at 17:41. “To promote the development of science in China, we must start with education.” “It is the responsibility of us older generations to nurture the youth; ‘the disciples surpass their teachers’ is exactly what we hope for.” — Zhang Zigao @WiseMan @ylb913 @LogisticsEngineer @LQ198619 @leo_0088 @gn_1984 @654262293 @BookBoy

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He studied in a private school during his youth and once became a xiucai. During the period when the imperial examination system was abolished and schools were established, in 1903, he was admitted to Wuchang Wenhua Ordinary Middle School. After graduating in 1907, he taught mathematics and English at the Higher Primary School in Zhijiang County. In the autumn of 1909, they were selected as part of the first group to study in the United States at public expense; among those selected were Jin Tao, Mei Yiqi, Hu Gangfu, and 44 others. The arrow points to Mr. Zhang, the once slender youth

He was rigorous in his academic approach and unafraid to select talents from diverse backgrounds. Like many older-generation educators at Tsinghua, Zhang Zigao’s educational philosophy also fell under the category of \"generalist education,\" and he was skilled at choosing talents from a wide range of sources. In the early 1930s, while serving as the dean of education at Tsinghua University, he supported the admission of this talent in literature, history, and English at Tsinghua despite Peking University’s usual refusal to admit him. At Hu Shi’s request, he provided special support for this individual by offering him the opportunity to study part-time, thus enabling him to continue his education without being forced to drop out due to financial difficulties.

Two widely recognized characteristics of Zhang Zigao in teaching are as follows: First, he made efforts to incorporate the latest scientific achievements into his teaching; for example, in the 1920s and 1930s, he introduced \"chemical thermodynamics\", which was then still an emerging field of science, into his courses； Second, there is a rigorous approach to scholarship, with every aspect of teaching taken seriously in order to foster in students a spirit of realism and a meticulous scientific attitude. Our country’s renowned scientists such as Wu Youxun, Wu Xuezhou, and Zhang Jiangshu, who once studied under him and benefited from his teachings, all have a deep understanding of this. His students said, “In the several chemistry courses taught by Teacher Zhang, even though they were taught dozens of times, he prepared his lessons with the same care and thoroughness as if it were a new course every time.” ”

Zhang Zigao is himself a person who embodies the concept of \"three connections\"–the connection between literature and the arts, the integration of Eastern and Western traditions, and the blending of ancient and modern elements. He was a modern natural scientist, but he had in-depth research on the history of ancient Chinese science. He published numerous articles in journals such as the Acta Archeologica Sinica, including works titled \"Achievements in Ancient Chinese Chemistry,\" \"Alternative Interpretations of the Six Therapeutic Principles,\" and \"The Historical Development of Atomic and Molecular Theory.\" In 1964, he published a monograph titled \"A Draft History of Chinese Chemistry (Ancient Period).\" He is an outstanding collector of ancient ink, having spent 30 years collecting nearly a thousand cubic feet of it. But he did not collect antiques merely out of an interest in the past; in his own words, “Collecting inks is my hobby, as well as a small aspect of my research into the history of chemistry.” ”He is highly proficient in ancient Chinese texts and is an expert in the appreciation of classical poetry and prose as well as a writer in this field. He and the former president Mei Yiqi were not only classmates who went to the United States to study in the same year, but also close friends who worked together for many years. In the autumn and winter of 1948, members of Tsinghua University planned to hold a celebration to mark President Mei’s 60th birthday. They asked the artist Li Zongjin to create a portrait of President Mei, and invited Zhang Zigao to write an inscription for the occasion. The final part of this inscription read: I surely wonder whether those who live in this world, hold high positions, and bear the trust of the people, and who wish to work for the welfare of future generations, might be influenced by President Mei’s example as well Advancing this great principle of adapting to what comes one’s way, and using it as a model for all others, the influence of such an approach is boundless, isn’t it? These portraits are based on the ancient paintings of the lord, depicting his true features. If one could attain even a fraction of the true nature of fairness? I write this merely to wish you a long life. A letter written by Professor Zhang Zigao from the Department of Chemistry.

Zhang Zigao and the Study of Chinese Chemical History: Zhang Zigao is one of the pioneers in the study of Chinese chemical history. He not only dedicated his entire life to chemistry education but was also a renowned expert in this field. He opposed the view that Chinese learning should be the core while Western learning should be used merely as a tool, and advocated the modern scientific spirit, emphasizing experimental research. As early as the early 1920s, he began his research on the history of chemistry in China. He, together with Zhang Jiangshu, conducted experiments on the preparation of mercury chloride based on the records in China’s great scientific work from the Ming dynasty, \"Compendium of Materia Medica,\" and achieved successful results. This research method in chemical history, which involves reproducing experiments based on historical records, has been repeatedly advocated by Zhang Zigao and has had a positive impact on contemporary research in the history of science. After the founding of the People’s Republic of China, Zhang Zigao focused his research on the history of chemistry on analyzing and studying the achievements of ancient Chinese chemistry from the perspective of dialectical materialism. He published more than a dozen specialized papers discussing the outstanding accomplishments in chemistry throughout Chinese history. In 1964, based on the research conducted over previous decades, Zhang Zigao wrote and published the monograph titled A Draft History of Chinese Chemistry (Ancient Period). It has received positive reviews from readers because it is not merely a compilation of historical materials and textual research, but rather seeks to apply Marxist-Leninist perspectives to study and summarize the development of ancient Chinese chemistry.

Mr. Zhang’s Former Residence – No. 5 Zhaolan Garden -

Ode to Zhijiang by Lü Yunzhou: What is Zhijiang, my beloved? The Shu River flows out of the gorge carrying sediment; ninety-nine islands are scattered along its course, allowing it to move smoothly despite the turbulent currents ； The flowing water divides into branches, winding through ninety-nine turns, blending delicacy with boldness. To defend Zhijiang River – why go to such lengths? It has both hills and plains, with a transition from east to west along this area ； There are both smooth paths and formidable obstacles; north and south are separated here. Connected to the Three Gorges, it has become an industrial hub ； Fated to Huguang, stepping into a land of fish and rice. Amazing, Zhijiang! The world is dark and yellow; beneath the Guan Temple lies an ancient site, dormant for six thousand years, now revealed to the world ； In the ancient universe, stones and pottery emerged from the fields; 5,000 pieces were preserved there, waiting to be revealed once exposed. It belonged to Chu and was called Danyang; some say it was the location of Wangcheng ； During the Han dynasty, a county was established there, named Zhijiang; it was also referred to as Luoguo Taxiang. For two thousand years, it has never changed its name ； Within a radius of five hundred miles, few change their ways. Marvelous, Zhijiang! There is a riverbank with flowing water; gazing across it seems like looking into the depths of autumn waters ； There are islets by the river; I pour my feelings into the fishing boat ； The river has tributaries; it evokes thoughts of its origins. The Baiyang chime bells play ancient music in a truly remarkable way ； The maids of the Chu state played a melody, whose echoes lingered in the air. The music of the tenth tune lingers in the ears, along with the joys and sorrows of life ； Five sentences; their echoes still linger in the fields. The Annotations to the Water Classic builds on past traditions, with teachers and students passing the baton together – a masterpiece that endures through the ages ； The Zen writings of Changming have inspired future generations; appreciated by both monks and laypeople, they will remain renowned through the ages. Great is Zhijiang! Pangu created the world, but the legend has no basis in fact ； Jiangxi filled Huguang; family records are on file. Previously, the two directors were hailed as outstanding men; father and son brought fame to their family. Dong was honest and upright, and thus was highly valued by the founding lord ； Dong Yun offered honest advice, urging the Last Emperor to make reforms. Later, \"two men\" were renowned as heroes; uncle and nephew revitalized their family and nation. Zhang Chengjiu, a pioneer of the 1911 Revolution and the commander who restored Shanghai, brought honor to his hometown ； Zhang Zigao, a chemical giant and a practitioner of using science to save the nation, for **honoring his legacy. Now there are “two orchids” acting as guardians, sisters fighting against evil wolves. The central leadership praises women, and young people across the country learn from these role models. The waves that follow push those ahead, with each wave being higher than the last ； The elders guide the younger ones, and each generation becomes stronger than the last. How beautiful, Zhijiang! The Ju and Zhang rivers churn the waves; agates offer their treasures, all flowing together into the mighty current ； High-speed winds rush forward, high-speed trains move at lightning speed, both racing toward distant places ； Jiangkou opened as a port, Dongshi established a harbor – both renowned for attracting foreign firms ； Dominant across the continent, with mist and rosy hues, in the heart of the waters. Gujia Dian, the Hidden Blue Dragon on the Peninsula ； Shi Baoshan: Turning Waste into Treasures ； Baiyang Town: The Four Tombs Remain a Mystery ； Anfu Temple: Five Blessings Come from the East ； Fairy Temple, Liu Lu Hui Hub ； A hundred li further, the Seven Stars meet the borders of Jing. There are hibiscus flowers; the city flower is the crape myrtle ； The tree remains green for a thousand years; the city’s tree is the camphor tree. Two mountains, one body of water, and four parts farmland – surrounded by natural beauty ； A city in the surrounding areas, offering stunning views. Magnificent, Zhijiang! Planned with a high standard, featuring grand momentum ； Large-scale construction, renowned far and wide. “One main and three secondary areas – a dynamic city with clustered towns ； “Three horizontals and four verticales – a dynamic city with urban-rural connectivity ； “With the achievement of the \"Five Goals,\" the city gains momentum, and its industries become stronger. The fruit and vegetable industry, Zhijiang liquor industry lead the way in high-end foods ； Schindler Gas and Xiajiang Mining Machinery – equipment manufacturing dominates the market ； Omei medical products, fairy costumes, and cotton fabric garments get new updates ； Sanning Chemical and Kaiyuan Chemical: chemical materials reaching high-end standards ； Jiangkai Materials and Jianghong Energy – new energy sources are soaring forward. Protect our Zhijiang River; when the right time comes, the red phoenix will rise with the sun ； Strategically located, with abundant resources and a healthy populace ； With a harmonious team, one appears valiant and spirited. In the past, the county relied on agriculture, giving priority to farming over commerce ； Today, industries develop cities, and cities drive rural areas. As the saying goes, only by finding the right balance and upholding fairness can there be lasting peace and stability ； By taking the initiative and protecting the environment, prosperity can be ensured for a long time. (Originally published in “Zhonghua Cifu”, Issue 12, 2017)