{PDF} Technical terms: English and Chinese Stuart G.A.

Shanghai: The Methodist Publishing House, 1910. ? 6, 352 p.Prepared by the Committee of the Educational Association of China.
Suitable technical terms are essential to scientific thought and investigation. The several branches of physical science have added many thousand new terms or words to the English language. To successfully teach Western science in Chinese, a sufficient number of suitable technical terms is absolutely essential. Some of the pioneer writers on physical science in China have avoided as far as possible all new technical terms. The result has been a vague disquisition about the science in question, rather than the accurate setting forth of the science itself. The many new terms with which science has enriched the English language must also be made to enrich in like manner the Chinese language. To devise a good scientific term is both a science and an art. He who would make such a term must first find out by careful examination just what its pivotal idea is, and then find a brief and appropriate form for expressing or suggesting it. A technical term is not a definition. Many attempts at term-making have been failures because the result was a definition, rather than a term. There is a conspicuous difference in different authors and translators as to their skill in making terms. Good terms are not often made off-hand. They are generally the result of experience, together with careful thought and a large knowledge of the genius and resources of the language. A good term is supple in use, adapting itself readily to varying conditions and forms of expression. A poor term is like a crooked stick that will only fit in one place.