Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
function? Will the English geographers keep up their interest in studying China?”
True sympathy is rooted in real understanding. Real understanding should be built
upon thorough investigation and sound research. Professor Roxby is one person
who obtained his real understanding of China through his thorough research.
His understanding generated sincere sympathy which he offered whole-heartedly in
his help to China. Thus, he was a true friend to China during her age of suffering.
And now, Professor Roxby has left us. May we wish him rest in peace forever.
I recently wrote two essays for the Chinese periodical
History and Geography
Weekly
. Both concerned Professor Roxby. The fi rst is a Chinese translation of
Professor Darby's Inaugural Lecture at the time he succeeded Professor Roxby as
Dean of the School of Geography at Liverpool University. It contains the following
passage concerning Professor Roxby:
It is customary in an inaugural lecture to render homage to one's predecessors. It is a good
custom. But it would be impertinent of me to praise Professor Roxby's 40 years' work here;
his own creation, the School of Geography with its long line of devoted students, speaks for
itself. Numbered among his students are not only those who have been fortunate enough to
study in Liverpool. Others in other universities in Britain are his pupils, and have gained
from his idealism and humanity. Beyond Britain, and particularly in China and Egypt, the
same generous infl uence has been felt. Professor Roxby's work on China has not only
enriched our knowledge in the more technical geographic sense, but has deepened our
understanding of Chinese civilization.
Professor Roxby has gone, and now it is through words such as those of Professor
Darby's that we feel his affection and guidance. I admit that when I translated
Professor Darby's words I felt he had spoken what I wanted very much to express
from my own heart.
Once again I remember the many people who expressed their affection and
respect for Professor Roxby since my arrival in England. Here is a letter from a
former English student of Professor Roxby, a mother of two children who graduated
from the School of Geography at Liverpool:
I too studied geography at Liverpool many years ago under Professor Roxby, for whom
I have great affection and respect. It is a pity that he is not in Liverpool now.
I would like to change the last sentence of her letter to “It is a pity that he is not
in this world now.” I know she will mourn for him. Her words not only express her
own feeling but that of his many friends in England. Professor Roxby was not only
a scholar of geography, but a great teacher in geographical education. As a great
teacher he not only offered us his knowledge, but also, in Professor Darby's words,
nurtured us with his ideals and personality, which is the most important thing.
As an educator, Professor Roxby leaves behind him such a deep impression and
infl uence that he and his achievements will live after him forever. Truly, the spark of
his physical life is no more, but his “ideals and personality” will live and be carried
on by those who succeed him.
For me, a student who came from far-off China, hoping to be taught by Professor
Roxby personally, this hope will now never be realized. Nevertheless, the moment I
arrived at the School, I found myself surrounded by his voice, his image and his
infl uences. This is the place where he had worked for 40 years. Every corner refl ects
