Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 12
Hou Renzhi's Acceptance Address
for the George Davidson Medal
When I was informed that the American Geographical Society was going to award
me The George Davidson Medal, I had not thought that in these late years of my life
I would receive such a high international honor. This happy news has also brought
a considerable and important attention on the part of many of my colleagues in the
circle of Chinese geography. I wanted very much to come and to accept this presti-
gious award personally. Yet, because of my poor health, I cannot but request my
good friend, Dr. Diane Obenchain, who is a Visiting Professor at Peking University
and who is working with me cooperatively on a project, to represent me. However,
if Dr. Murphy or any other member of The Honors Committee of The American
Geographical Society has the opportunity to come to China, I ardently hope that we
can meet each other at Peking University so that I may in person express my heart-
felt gratitude for this award.
What I would like to fi rst explain is that George Babcock Cressey, who, in 1952,
was the fi rst to receive The George Davidson Medal, had, in fact, great infl uence
upon me from the very start. Sixty-three years ago, in 1936, the year I graduated
from Yenching University, I was fortunate enough to read Cressey's topic
China's
Geographic Foundations
. This drew my profound interest and is one of the main
reasons why I was moved to change from strictly historical studies to research in
historical geography. However, because of the 8-year Anti-Japanese War, it was not
until the summer of 1946 that I was able to go as planned to Liverpool University in
England to specialize in the study of historical geography under the expert guidance
of Professor H. C. Darby.
In 1949, Professor G. B. Cressey, as the newly-elected President of the
International Geographical Society, was invited to Liverpool University to give a
