Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
his image of warm-heartedness and far-sightedness. Recently, for example, a dance
party was organized in honour of Mr. and Mrs. Scott (the leader of the Liberal
Party). A few hundred people were invited. I was surprised to also get an invitation
and found out that they had done so because Professor Roxby had written from
China requesting help for me. Even though I knew nothing about dancing, I never-
theless attended. There I met many of Professor Roxby's friends. All of them talked
of him when I was presented to them. I could not help but have the impression that
there was an inseparable relationship between every Chinese student here and
Professor Roxby. From what these friends told me, I realized what deep affection
and consideration the English people have for China, and what infl uence Professor
Roxby has had on his friends. After the party, I wanted to write Professor Roxby a
letter, thanking him for his kindness, even though we never got to meet. I have the
following draft written in my diary. “Although I had not the opportunity to personally
meet you before I left China, I nevertheless still seem to be meeting you everywhere
in England.” I had intended to write this to him, but later changed my mind, thinking
it not so polite to say so, despite its truthfulness. Thus I delayed mailing the letter
and it remained undelivered.
In my second essay for the
History and Geography Weekly
titled “A Review of
Wartime English Geographers and Their Present State,” I mentioned the three
volumes on China edited by Professor Roxby. Although this work was completed in
collaboration with others, it is chiefl y the fruit of his own research on Chinese
geography.
Professor Roxby wrote many scholarly papers and theses, but never published a
topic (with the exception of a booklet). Yet all recent English texts on Chinese
geography, without exception, mention his name. In addition to his writings for
periodicals, he wrote the section on Chinese Geography for the
Encyclopaedia
Britannica
. Because he never published a topic on Chinese geography, not many
people in China know him. His achievements are rooted in the fi eld of teaching
geography rather than as an author. Yet his academic achievements in geography
cannot be denied. An editorial published in the fi rst issue of the
History and
Geography Weekly
contains the following passage:
Many of us consider history and geography as academic topics only for historians and
geographers, but not for common people. Such a comprehension is incomplete. If not
corrected, it will hinder the development and infl uence of the study and research of history
and geography. Our periodical is preparing to take up the responsibility of media in the
popularization of historical and geographical studies. We hope to establish a normal
relationship between the research of history and geography and the education of history
and geography.
In the eyes of modern geographers, Professor Roxby was the fi rst colleague to
accomplish the task of promoting the desired normal relationship between research
and education in geography.
On hearing the sad news of Professor Roxby's passing away, I cannot help leaving
my daily work undone and planning this short passage to express my feelings about
