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15 November 2016, Volume 0 Issue 4 Previous Issue    Next Issue
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On the Past and Future Prospects of Quantitative History Research CHEN Zhiwu 2016, 0(4): 1-16.  Abstract ( )   PDF (3101KB) ( )   For almost six decades quantitative history research has substantially deepened our understanding of history and made historical research more of a science. Regardless the field of inquiry，the basic scientific method follows five steps. First，identify the research question and develop a testable hypothesis；Second，find or generate data through experiments or from pre-existing sources relevant to the hypothesis; Third，conduct statistical analysis and hypothesis testing，including establishing or rejecting causal relations； Fourth，interpret the test results and uncover the channels through which the causality chain runs; Finally write a research report or paper summarizing the findings and analysis. This paper argues that there is considerable room for improvement in traditional historical research，in particular from the second to the fourth step outlined herein. That is historians should emphasize the use of both large samples and robust statistical methods，rather than just relying on case studies rather than replacing it; Historians should also make use of quantitative methods to establish causality and identify channels in which the causality runs. This paper shows that quantitative methods can not only make history research more robust and efficient but also discover new knowledge about history that would not be possible using traditional approaches. References | Related Articles | Metrics

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The Establishment of Databases and Research in Qing History HU Heng 2016, 0(4): 17-25.  Abstract ( )   PDF (1248KB) ( )   There have been breakthrough achievements in the building of historical databases for Qing history and the basic documentary databases and specialized databases have developed together. The establishment of Qing history databases and the subsequent quantification of historical research has overcome the lack of systemic statistical data in traditional historical research and other serious deficiencies in statistical research. These databases have greatly improved the opportunities for using quantitative methods but there are also new issues in the use and understanding of historical materials. The development of local historical statistical archives requires a parallel development of platforms for sharing data and the balancing of public benefits and commercialization. At the same time，in the age of digitization it is still important to provide training in traditional historical methods. References | Related Articles | Metrics

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The Digitization of Local Historical Archives, Creation of Metadata, and Text Mining : The Example of The Chinese Local History Archive ZHAO Siyuan 2016, 0(4): 26-35.  Abstract ( )   PDF (2845KB) ( )   This article exams three distinct concepts that distinguish historical databases: digitization, creation of metadata, and text mining. Digitization has transformed the archives into cyber texts that encompass data and metadata, which can then be used for text mining, databases, and other analytic tools. The database of Local Chinese Historical Archives was designed with these principles of metadata creation and text mining that constructed a modified metadata based on the Dublin Core. Cross-searching and statistics is also available in the database. The database not only facilitates the researchers’effort to find data for their research but also helps them discover new topics. It is also suggested that a new corresponding methodology on archives criticism should be applied to the database. References | Related Articles | Metrics

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A Preliminary Study of Chinese Interest Rates from the Early Qing to the Twentieth Century Based on an Examination of the Historical Database of Chinese Interest Rates (1660一2000) CHEN Zhiwu etal 2016, 0(4): 36-51.  Abstract ( )   PDF (3570KB) ( )   This article provides a basic explanation of the construction, data collection, and design of the historical data base of Chinese interest rates. Based on differences in the analysis of statistical indicators, the selection of data, and background and forms of borrowing and lending, interest rates varied greatly, and the article shows these differences explain the comparatively large differences in the analysis of historical interest rates. The article makes clear the origins of a variety of misconceptions in literatures about China’s for interest rate history, and proves the importance of the statistical database for historical research. Through an analysis of the historical statistics in this data base, the article provides an initial examination of interest rates from the early Qing to the twentieth century, the long term trends in interest rates, and other issues. References | Related Articles | Metrics

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The Digitization of Kangxi Complete Atlas of Imperial Territories and Its Significance for the Study of Environmental Change and Historical Geography HAN Zhaoqing 2016, 0(4): 53-60.  Abstract ( )   PDF (2933KB) ( )   After an introduction to the tradition of map-making in ancient China and the impossibility of using most ancient maps for spatial analysis together with contemporary maps using modern techniques such as ArcGIS, this paper points out that Kangxi Complete Atlas Imperial Territories of Kangxi Era, the first map of China based on land surveying was among the few atlases with geographical coordinates before the 20th century. The article introduces the content of this atlas, the digitization method and the significance of digitizing this atlas. The significance of this digitization project can be generalized into four aspects. First, this digitized atlas will help us to improve accuracy in our study of the changes of rivers lakes and coastlines of China during the past 300 years. Second, the digitization of Complete Atlas of Imperial Territories of Kangxi Era will help us solve some problems related to the change of administrative regions which cannot be solved through traditional methods. Third, after digitizing the whole atlas we will built a China basic; geographical information system as it existed 300 years ago, with information about both administrative divisions and physical geographical features which will be beneficial for the study of historical geography history and other subjects. Fourth the digitized atlas and spatial analysis will help us to understand the development of cartographical techniques and will improve the study of the history of surveying and mapping in China. Finally some issues related to the digitization of this atlas are discussed. References | Related Articles | Metrics

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The Qing Jinshenlu Database : A New Source for the Study of Qing Officialdom REN Yuxue etal 2016, 0(4): 61-77.  Abstract ( )   PDF (3631KB) ( )   This essay introduces a major new database, based on the Jinshenlu, for the study of Chinese officialdom and Chinese society during the last imperial dynasty, the Qing, who ruled from 1644 to 1911. For almost two centuries, the Qing government and private publishers published a Jinshenlu every three months with the names and particulars of all civil, and sometimes military，officials. We are transcribing 400 of these quarterly editions dating from 1661 to 1917 into a database，beginning with 206 containing approximately 2 800 000 records of 400 000 officials republished by the Tsinghua University Library as the《清代缙绅录集成》. Based on our initial transcription of 652 984 records of 145 770 officials from 47 editions, we demonstrate the potential of these data for the study of official careers. We contrast bannermen, who had their own appointment system，with civil officials who passed the civil service examinations ,and other officials who purchased their appointments. Moreover, we demonstrate that these Jinshenlu records can be linked to records in other systematic sources on the Qing imperial lineage, on examination degree holders , and on office purchasers. The resulting combined data provide an important opportunity to understand Qing political and social elites. References | Related Articles | Metrics

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The Formation of Northwestern Regions’Market System in Qing Dynasty under the Dominance of Official Trade ZHANG Ping 2016, 0(4): 78-89.  Abstract ( )   PDF (1592KB) ( )   The Qing dynasty was a significant historical period for the stabilization and development of China’s territory. During this period，as the administrative institutions of northwestern regions were gradually optimized and the transportation system began to take shape. In addition to the "Gaolan Official Route，”which linked the capital with the northwestern region，there were also routes in the north that ran along the Great Wall to Beijing and to outposts in Suzhou and Jiuquan. The opening of these transportation routes enhanced trade between the northwestern and southeastern regions, and thus a unified and normative market system，dominated by official trade，developed in the early Qing dynasty. A center for transporting and trading tea, clothing, foodstuffs, furs from northwestern regions and medicine took shape，with Xi’an，Jingyang and Sanyuan as the manufacturing and transporting center of national commodities, Lanzhou as the secondary sale depot, and Xining, Hami，Ningxia and Gucheng as the tertiary wholesale markets. This market system became more stable after Qianlong emperor’s reign due to the weakened influence of official trade and growing power of merchants. This trading pattern did not change until the opening of treaty ports，the operation of trains，and the intervention of Western firms in modern times. The economic integration of the five northwestern provinces further facilitated the integration of regional administrative system. Based on this economic integration，the administrative plan of China took the five northwestern provinces as an integrated area in the early period of People’s Republic of China. References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Scholarly Writing is not for Living: Qing Literati’s Life Reflected in the Publishing Process of Lunyu Zhengyi LUO Jianqiu 2016, 0(4): 90-102.  Abstract ( )   PDF (1308KB) ( )   This article examines the publishing process of Lunyu Zhengyi，based on Qing literati’s correspondences journals and etc. It asserts that this book was printed in the early Guangxu reign instead of 1866 (the fifth year of Tongzhi reign). It argues that the main reason for the delayed production was not to seek further accuracy of collation but due to short of funds for printing. The publishing process of the book mirrored ordinary literati’s life in the Qing Period，and also embodied the Han Learning Scholars’ academic pursuit. It deserve further investigation. References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Sino-Foreign Treaties during the Ming-Qing Transition GUO Weidong 2016, 0(4): 103-109.  Abstract ( )   PDF (1194KB) ( )   Related Articles | Metrics

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The Establishment of Banners and Companies for Khalka Mongols in the Early Kangxi Regin Oyunbilig 2016, 0(4): 110-114.  Abstract ( )   PDF (1163KB) ( )   Related Articles | Metrics

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A Review of Qing History Studies in 2015 HUANG Xingtao etal 2016, 0(4): 115-141.  Abstract ( )   PDF (1478KB) ( )   Related Articles | Metrics

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An Index to the Articles on Qing History in 2015 WANG Xufen 2016, 0(4): 142-156.  Abstract ( )   PDF (1311KB) ( )   Related Articles | Metrics