FIRST REPORT 
 
 OF THE 
 
 €hine0e flclgtechmt InBtitution anb 
 ^eabing jlaonts, 
 
 SHZ^A-H^GI-HI^^I. 
 
 FROM MARCH 1874 TO SEPTEMBER 1875. 
 
 SHANGHAI : 
 FEINTED AT THE "NORTH-CHINA HERALD" OFFICE. 
 
 1875. 
 
 HVh-O' 
 
The original of tiiis book is in 
 tine Cornell University Library. 
 
 There are no known copyright restrictions in 
 the United States on the use of the text. 
 
 http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924081239851 
 
FIRST REPORT 
 
 OF THE 
 
 €kmm f olgtecknic In^tttittion anb 
 
 FBOM MABGE 18?^ TO SEPTEMBEB 1875. 
 
 SHANGHAI : 
 PBINTED AT THE "NORTH-CHINA HERALD" OFFICE. 
 
 1875, 
 
51 
 
 1 v: * i 
 
 .' -5 i^^ 
 
THE CHINESE POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTION 
 AND READING ROOMS, 
 
 SHANGHAI. 
 
 Minutes op Meeting of Committee of Chinese Polytechnic Institution and 
 Beadino Boom, hbld at British Consulate, Thursday, 30ih September, 1875. 
 
 Present :— Messrs. Fryer (Secretary), Wang Yung-ho, Wylie, Medhurst (Treasurer), 
 Bnd Hsti Siiah-tBUD. 
 
 A note from Mr. Kingsmill was read, apologising for not presenting himself, and 
 expressing liis approval of the manner in which the buildings are being constructed 
 under the superintendence of Mr. Hsii. 
 
 The Secretary read the Beport for past 18 mouths, being the first Beport rendered. 
 
 The Beport was accepted, and Mr. Fryer warmly complimented upon its excellence 
 and exhaustiveness. It was moved that the report be published in the local papers, 
 and that a thousand extra copies be printed in pamphlet form for general distribution. 
 Mr. Fryer submitted a translation iu Chinese of the report, his exertions in making 
 vrhich were also acknowledged, and he was requested to make arrangements for 
 its publication likewise. 
 
 The Treasurer presented the accounts made up to date, and duly audited. These 
 shewed that Tls. 4,616.15 had been expended ia purchase of land, Tls. 1,276.99 
 on account of building yet in progress, and Tls. 39.67 on petty contingencies, and that 
 only a balance of Tls. 45.73 remained in the Treasurer's hands, whilst a debit balance 
 stood against the Institution of Tls. 436.55. This the Treasurer explained would shortly 
 be wiped off, the Taotai having promised a donation of Tls. 2,000 upon the publication 
 of the accounts, and Messrs. Beid Evans & Co. having to-day signified their intention 
 to subscribe Tls. 50. 
 
 The accounts were passed, and ordered to be published with Beport, in English 
 and Chinese. Mr. Hsti added that he had every hope of receiving another and 
 handsome donation from H. B. Li Hung-chang, which ought to leave a considerable 
 balance in hand after the completion of present structure, outhouses, walls, &c. 
 
 Mr. Wylie encouraged the Committee to hope that he would shortly be able to lay 
 before them a list of the Books and periodicals to be selected for Beading Boom. 
 
 The Secretary reported that he was in correspondence with the Municipal Engineer 
 with regard to the drainage of lot and adjacent roads. He also submitted letters from 
 Home Committee on various subjects, and copies of his replies, which latter were 
 approved. 
 
 It was agreed to put oflf the consideration of the arrangements for the inauguration 
 of the Institution, in or about December next, to a future meeting. 
 
 W. H. MEDHUBST, 
 
 Chairman, 
 
FIRST REPORT. 
 
 FSOM MARCH, 1874, TO SEPTEMBER, 1875. 
 
 The origin and history of tliis Institution, 
 as well as the objects for which it Was 
 established, are, it is believed, pretty well 
 known to the Shanghai Community, and 
 to the Foreign residents in Shanghai 
 generally. It is thought desirable, how- 
 ever, that the first report should commence 
 with a notice of these subjects, in order 
 that they may neither be lost sight of nor 
 misunderstood. 
 
 The idea of establishing a Reading Room 
 for the use of the Chinese, liad for some 
 time existed in Shanghai, and had been 
 commented upon by the local Press. It 
 was, however, first brought prominently 
 into public notice by Mr. Medhurat, who, 
 in a letter which appeared in the N.-G. 
 Daily News of March 5th, 1874, mentions 
 his " conviction that the appreciation of 
 all kinds of Western knowledge is steadily 
 on the increase, and that the time has 
 now arrived when some effort should be 
 made to foster this inclination and give it 
 a right direction." He adds that he looks 
 upon "this proposed Reading Room as the 
 best possible instrument that can be de- 
 vised for such a purpose." Appended to 
 this letter was Mr, Medhurat's prospectus 
 as follows : — 
 
 Prospectus of a Chinese Reading Room which it 
 is proposed to establish in Shanghai. 
 1, — The Eeading Room shall be called 
 
 >^g^^|^ Ko-ohih Shu-yuan (School for 
 
 Search after Knowledge). 
 
 2. — The object of the institution is to extend 
 the knowledge of the Chinese in regard to 
 Foreign countries and topics generally, and 
 thereby to promote good feeling between 
 Foreigners and Chinese. 
 
 3,— The institution shall be located within 
 the limits of the Foreign Settlements. 
 
 4. — The institution shall be established in 
 the first instance by publio subscription 
 amongst Foreigners and Chinese, the original 
 outlay being estimated at Taels 1,500. 
 
 5. — In order to maintain the institution in 
 ■working order, and to secure the respectability 
 of the persons resorting thereto, a subscription 
 of one half dollar per month will be charged 
 to all members. 
 
 6i — After the number of members shall 
 have reached one hundred, any further admis- 
 sions will only be permitted upon the re- 
 commendation of any two original members. 
 
 7. — No Foreigner to be admitted as a monthly 
 subscriber. But those Foreigners who may 
 have contributed in funds towards the found- 
 ation of the institution, to enjoy the privilege 
 of visitiug the Reading Room and inspecting 
 progress. 
 
 8. — The business of the institution to be 
 conducted by a Committee composed of not 
 less tban five and not more than Seven per- 
 sons. Until the institution shall have been 
 established upon a firm b^sis, some of the 
 members of the Committee should be chosen 
 from amongst the original Foreign founders. 
 
 9. — The rooms to be sufficiently furnished, 
 and to be provided with all the Chinese 
 periodicals and newspapers now published, and 
 any others that may hereafter be selected by 
 the Committee. Also with translations into 
 Chinese of standard Foreign works, with 
 original works in Chinese by Foreign authors 
 on general subjects, and with such of the 
 purely native Books as the Committee shall 
 deem suitable. The rooms likewise to be sup- 
 plied with maps, philosophical instruments of 
 various kinds, and any models of steam 
 engines, locomotives, telegraphic apparatus, 
 ^c, that can be procured. 
 
 10. — A Chinese Curator to be appointed to 
 superintend the working of the institution, 
 and take care of the books, &o. He will see 
 that none are removed from the establishment. 
 
 11. — No loud talking to be permitted in the 
 Reading-room, but a separate room to be set 
 aside for quiet meetings Or discussions. 
 
 12.' — Lectures on scientific subjects of prac- 
 tical value or general topics to be delivered in 
 the Chinese language, now and then, as the 
 Committee may arrange. 
 
 13.— No gambling of any kind to be per- 
 mitted. 
 
 14.— Tea and tobacco to be provided at 
 economical rates to readers, 
 
 15. — The Rooms to be open to members 
 only, between ten a.m. and seven p.m. 
 
 A public meeting was held at the rooms 
 of the North-China Branch of the Royal 
 Asiatic Society on the 24th of March of 
 the same year, at which the subject was 
 fully discussed, and met with unanimous 
 
approbation. Many valuable suggestiong 
 were made by gentlemen who felt inter- 
 ested in the advancement of the Chinese, 
 ■ome of which suggestions hare since been 
 carried into eSeot, Tiro following Reso^ 
 lutions were passed ;^- 
 
 "Btsolved. — That the scheme of a reading 
 room for th« Chinese on the basis proposed 
 by Mr. Medhiirstj has the «ordial approval 
 of this meeting, and that a Committee be 
 appointed to endeavour to collect subscrip- 
 tions, and to carry out the scheme as far 
 as th^ funds obtained will allow." ' 
 
 "Besohed. — That the Committee consist 
 of Messlrs. W. -H. Medhurst, F. B. Forbes, 
 A. Wylie, J. Fryer, as Foreign Members ; 
 and Mr. Tong King Sing, as Chinese Mem- 
 ber, with power to add to their number." 
 
 The 6rat meeting of the Committee took 
 place at the Consulate on April 6bh, 1874, 
 at which it was decided that a subecriptiQu 
 list for the Foreign residents of Shanghai 
 should be circnlated by Mr. Medhurst, 
 and one for the Chinese by Mr. Tong 
 Kiug Sing ; the sum of Tls. 1,500 being 
 all that was then considered necessary for 
 a commenceiment. 
 
 The second Committee Meeting was held 
 on the 11th of June, 1874. The sum of 
 Tls. '980 was acknowledged as received 
 from the foreign community alone, while 
 a considerable sum had been promised by 
 Chinese. It was resolved to purchase land 
 within the boundaries of the English Set- 
 tlement, and to build rather than hire pre- 
 mises. It appeared necessary, however, 
 that a complete collection of scientific ap- 
 paratus, with specimens or models of ma- 
 chinery, should be procured in order to 
 enable the natives who made use uf the 
 reading rooms to understand more tho- 
 roughly what they had read, and to let 
 them actually see for themselves the per- 
 formance of the experiments described in 
 scientific books. A lecture room and 
 courses of Lectures in Chinese were pro- 
 posed, lu fact, nothing less than a Poly- 
 technic Institution, resembling, on a small 
 scale, the well-known establishment of 
 that name in Regent Street, London, 
 seemed at all adequate to m^eet the wants 
 of the Chinese and th« purpose the pro- 
 moters had in view. Mr. Hsii-hsueh- 
 tsun and Mr. Wang-young-ho, two gen- 
 tlemen who had given much time and 
 attention to foreign arts and sciences, 
 haviug expressed their approbation of the 
 sebeiue, were invited to become members 
 of the Committee. They promised to use 
 
 their influence with the highest authorities 
 in the Empire, and to endeavour to secure 
 their patronage. The funds in hand not 
 being sufficient to allow of the purchase, 
 of the necessary apparatus, models, &e.,. 
 it was proposed to asked manufacturers at 
 home to give or lend to the Institution 
 specimens of such things as are necessarjr 
 to illustrate the arts, sciences, and manu- 
 factures, under the idea that they would, 
 be glad of such an opportunity of bring- 
 ing their wares before the Chinese public, 
 and thus promoting the spread of their 
 business. Mr. Fryer was requested to com- 
 municate with houses and firms litely to 
 render such assistance. This request was. 
 carried into effect by the circulation of the. 
 following prospectus among the chief 
 manufacturers in England and other 
 countries, by Messrs. John Bourne & Co., 
 who were asked to act as Home Agents for 
 the institution - — 
 
 The object of this Inatitiition is to bring 
 the Scieuoes, Arts, and Manufactures of 
 Western Nations in the moat prominent man- 
 ner possible before the notice of China. 
 
 "When the wants of the enormous popula- 
 tiou, as well as the immense, but • hitherto 
 almost latent, resources of that country are 
 taken into consideration, it is easy to see the 
 great advantages that an Institution of the 
 kind is calculated to confer both upon the 
 natives generally and upon European manu- 
 facturers and merchants. Shanghai, being the 
 great centre of foreign commerce with the 
 Chinese, is manifestly the moat suitable locality 
 for its establishment. 
 
 Subscriptions on a liberal acale have already 
 been received by the Committee from foreign 
 residents, as well as from natives, but in 
 order to make the Institution a large and 
 comprehensive one, the co-operation and 
 asaiatance of European manufacturers and 
 merchants, aa well as of philanthropists gene- 
 rally, are earnestly solicited. 
 
 Specimens, models or engravings of machi- 
 nery and tools, manufactured articles of 
 every description, scientific apparatus, 
 works of art, illustrated books or photo- 
 graphs, &.C. &o. — in fact, anything lilcely to 
 benefit and instruct the various classes of 
 Chinese, may be forwarded and presented to 
 this Institution, where it wiU be publicly 
 displayed and used to the best advantage. 
 Any accompanying explanations, together 
 with the name and address of the con- 
 tributor, will be translated into Chinese, and 
 find a place in the Descriptive Catalogue, 
 copies of which will be distributed as widely 
 as possible. All the translations into Chinese 
 of European scientific and other useful books 
 
that can be procured, aa well as all native 
 worka of general interest, will be placed in 
 the Beading Rooms. Courses of lectures on 
 joientific subjects will be given in Chinese as 
 occasion oflfers, and for this purpose presents 
 of suitable apparatus, working models, &c., 
 will be particularly acceptable. 
 
 The third meeting of the Committee was 
 held on the 31st of August, 1874. The 
 total amount of subscriptions then in hand 
 was only Taels 1,600. It was determined 
 however to make a beginning, even if only 
 on a small scale, as soon as the state of the 
 funds rendered such a step justifiable. 
 Plans were discusned by which tlie scheme 
 could be more effectually brought under 
 the notice of the wealthier classes of 
 Chinese and the higher officials. Mr. 
 Hsii-hsueh-tsiin submitted a memorial in 
 Chinese which he had previously drawn 
 up, and had sent copies Of to the Viceroys 
 of Chihli and the Two Kiang. This memo- 
 rial, which was highly approved of, resem- 
 bles in most points the Foreign prospectus 
 adopted subsequently at the 5th meeting 
 of the Committee. 
 
 At the Fourth Meeting of the Committee, 
 which was held on the 16th of October, 
 1874, the sum of about Taels 3,000 was 
 reported as already in hand. H.B. the 
 "Viceroy of the Two Kiang having contri- 
 buted no less a sum than Taels 1,000 in 
 answer to the memorial of Mr. Hsii. Pro- 
 mises of assistance in the way of apparatus, 
 machinery, &c., from different manufac- 
 turers in England were enumerated, and 
 a vote of thanks was recorded in favour of 
 Messrs. Bourne & Co. for the trouble they 
 had taken in calling public attention in 
 England to the object and requirements of 
 the institution. Mr. Fryer was asked to 
 draw up a more comprehensive code of 
 regulations than the one published in tlie 
 first prospectus, and Mr. Wylie promised 
 to prepare a list of Chinese works and 
 periodicals suitable for the Library. 
 
 The Fifth Meeting took place on the 8th 
 of January, 1876. H.E. Li Hung-chang, 
 in answer to Mr. Hsu's memorial, had sent 
 a donation amounting to Taels 1,087, 
 expressing at the same time his satisfaction 
 with the arrangements, and his hope that 
 the institution would be commenced as 
 soon as possible. Messrs. Boyd & Co. of 
 Shanghai had subscribed the sum of Taels 
 333.33. From the various subscribers the 
 sum of above Taels 5,000 had been received, 
 and it was now considered necessary to 
 take active steps to start the institution. 
 
 Mr. Forbes having resigned, Mr. Kiiigsmill 
 was asked to act on the Committee. Mr4 
 Hsii Chung-hu (since nominated by the. 
 Tsung-li YamSn aa eligible to be Sent on 
 diplomatic missions to Foreign Countries) 
 was also asked to join the Committee, 
 making up the number of members to Four 
 Foreign and Pour Chinese. Mr. Medhurst 
 was requested to act as Honorary Treasurer 
 and Mr. Fryer as Honorary Secretwy. 
 Arrangements were made to endeavour to 
 carry into effect the speedy purchase of 
 land and erection of buildings. Mr. Fryer, 
 submitted to the Committee the prospectus 
 he had been asked to draw up at the last, 
 meeting. After some discussion and iter- 
 ations, it was approved of as annexed : — 
 
 PROSPECTUS JOB THE CHINESE POLYTECHNIC 
 INSTITUTION AND KEADING-BOOM. 
 
 1. — Object: — Tlie object of this Institutiob 
 is to bring the Sciences, Atta, and Manufac- 
 tures of Western Nations in the most prac- 
 ticable manner possible before the notice of 
 the Chinese. 
 
 The means proposed are : — 
 
 lat. — An Exhibition of machinery, appara- 
 tus, manufactured goods, etc. 
 
 2Dd. — Lectures and Classes for Scientific 
 Instruction. 
 
 3rd. — A Chinese Library and Heading 
 Room. 
 
 It is hoped that after this Institution has 
 been a few years in operation, it will lead to 
 the establishment of branch Institutions by 
 the natives themselves, in different parts of 
 the Empire. 
 
 2.— Management .-—The affairs of the Insti- 
 tution, as far as Shanghai is concerned, are to 
 be managed by a Committee of Eight mem- 
 bers — four being Europeans and four Chinese.' 
 A Committee is also to be formed in London, 
 to co-operate with that in Shanghai, and 
 manage all that is required to be done for the 
 Institution in England and Western countries 
 generally. Each Committee is to elect its 
 own Secretary and Treasurer. A half-y«arly 
 report is to be drawn up in English and Chi- 
 nese for general distribution, shewing the 
 state of the funds, the names of subscribers, 
 new articles received, and the progress made 
 in the different branches of the Institution 
 generally. 
 
 3. — Funds : — It is hoped that the Institu- 
 tion will eventually become to a great extent 
 self-supporting. But as at the outset a con- 
 siderable sum is required for the purchase of 
 land, for erecting a suitable building, for the 
 purchase of books, apparatus, and furniture, 
 and for current expenses. Foreign subscrip- 
 tion lists are to be issued by the Committee 
 in Shanghai, and by that in London, while a 
 Chinese list is to be circulated among the 
 
Dative officials and gentry in all parta of 
 China, A suitable house is to be hired for 
 the use of the Institution, until a permanent 
 building^ has been erected. The Institution 
 will be free to all respectable Chinese tor at 
 least a full year after it has been formally 
 opened. 
 
 4. — Exhibition .' — The exhibition is t6 consist 
 of models or specimens of machinery, appa- 
 ratus; tools, and manufactured articles of all 
 kinds— in fact, of anything calculated to 
 promote the introduction and general use of 
 Western manufactures in Chi»a. Such articles 
 .may either be presented or lent to the Insti- 
 tjition. If lent, the expenses of freight and 
 deliyery must be borne by the exhibitor, who 
 will not be allowed to remove anything till 
 it shall have liefin exhibited for one full year. 
 If presented, all ex:penses are to be botne by 
 'the Institution, after the articles have be^n 
 placed in the hands of its agents in London. 
 For the present, and until suitable premises 
 are ready, of which due notice will be given, 
 by advertisement or otherwise, no articles of 
 great bulk or weight are to be received.. The 
 . Committee will allow, a reasonable amount of 
 space to each eshibi,tor gratuitously, as far as 
 the size of the building permits ; but they 
 reserve the right to refuse space to anything 
 they may consider unsuitable, and also, after 
 the Institution has been opened at least a 
 full year, to establish a fixed charge for 
 articles lent on exhibition, should a deficiency 
 ■ of funds redder Such a step necessary. Itis 
 ialso proposed to devote a portion of the 
 building to the reception of any articles of 
 Chinese manufacture that may be considered 
 , of ; sufficient interest for exhibition. While 
 promising to use every precaution for the safe 
 keepitig of all objects entrusted to their care, 
 neither Committee holds itself responsible for 
 any loss, accident, or injury that may occur. 
 The name and address of the exhibitor, 
 together with the price, and any explanatory 
 details that may be sent, are to be translated 
 into Chinese and affixed to each article. A 
 descriptive catalogue is to bo prepared in 
 Chinese and circulated as widely as possible. 
 The blocks for engravings of articles ex- 
 hibited, may be. forwarded for gratuitous in- 
 ' sertion in the catalogue. Advertisements 
 will, be inserted at reasonable rates. 
 
 It is hoped that Foreign Mercantile Firms 
 in Shanghai and other parts of China, will see 
 that it will be greatly to their advantage not 
 only to countenance this Exhibition them- 
 selves, but also to prevail on the Firms 
 they are connected with at Home, to render 
 as much assistance as possible. Detailed 
 Regulations for this Exhibition are to be 
 drawn up and ).>ublished at an early date. 
 •' ' 5,-r^LectureBoomandGtasses: — TheLecture- 
 iraomis to be provided with a collection of 
 .philospphiciil appE»ra,tus. It is hoped that 
 
 manufacturers may be induced to send pre- 
 sents of such apparatus. The Committees 
 are to complete the collection if necessary 
 from the funds of the Institution. Free 
 Lectures are to be delivered in C''inese on 
 scientific subjects, as occasion offers ; and 
 the apparatus is to be of a kind suitable for 
 lecturing purposes. Classes are to be formed 
 for teaching such scientific subjects as a 
 sufficient number of respectable natives may 
 desire to study. The Committees will receive 
 applications for admission into the classes, 
 , and will select such caudidates as may appear 
 to them to l>e the most eligible. ISTo fees 
 will be charged ; and the Chinese and Foreign 
 gentlemen who conduct these classes, will 
 give their services' gratuitously. The Rules 
 for Lectures and Classes are to be determined 
 at a future date. 
 
 6. — Library and Heading Room : — The 
 Reading Room is to be furnished with all the 
 Chinese newspapers and periodicals that can 
 be procured, and the Library with all the 
 translations into Chinese of .European scientific 
 and other useful works that are obtainable, as 
 well as all native works .of general interest. 
 Rules for the Library and Reading Room are 
 to be drawn up by the Clommittee at a fiitufe 
 date. 
 
 The sixth meeting was held on the,2iid 
 of April, 1875. Three pieces of land wera 
 mentioned aa eligible by different members 
 of the Committee, but difficulties appeared 
 to stand ju the way of each. Eventually 
 a piece iu the Hankosv road was proposed 
 by another member, and appeared at first 
 sight to be far more suitable than. any of 
 the others that had hitherto been takea 
 into consideration. It was therefore de- 
 cided to take steps at once towards the 
 purchase of this laud. The questions of 
 what building was necessary, and who 
 should be the Architect, were discussed at 
 considerable length, the general idea being 
 that a building in the Chinese style of 
 Architecture would be most suitable and 
 appropriate to begin with, and that it 
 would serve ^s a nucleus to which other 
 buildings might eventually be added, It 
 was decided, however, to wait for Mr. 
 Medhu rat's return to Shanghai before 
 coming to a final determination. It was 
 reported that a Committee of co-operation 
 had been established in London, of which 
 the Honourable Mr. Lawrence had con- 
 sented to act as Honorary Secretary. 
 Many liberal offers of assistance were re- 
 corded. The Managing Director of the 
 Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation 
 Company had promised to carry packages 
 of apparatus, &c,, addressed to the 
 
Inatifcution, free of freight. H. B. M.'s 
 Minister, Mr. Wade, bad written from 
 Peking, expressing his approval of the 
 scheme and forwarding a subscription of 
 Taels 100. H.B. Feng, Taotai of Shanghai, 
 had not only promised a liberal donation, 
 but consented to allow packages of appa- 
 ratus, &o., for the Institution to pass the 
 Imperial Maritime Customs free of duty. 
 
 The seventh meeting of tlie Committee 
 took plate on the 3Ut of May. It was 
 reported by different ittembers that the 
 atteiUpt to obtain the land agreed upon at 
 the last meeting had proVed to be a failure, 
 lira Municipal Cuunfil having deteriUined 
 to open a road through it, thUs rendering 
 it useless for the purposes of the Institu- 
 tion. Another piefie of laud, however, had 
 been negociated for, which was in possession 
 of the American Presbyterian Mission 
 Press. Its situation on tlie old Hace Course 
 was Consideted very eligible, but its size 
 and price appeared too great for the preBen t 
 limited means. It fras at first propotied to 
 purchase only a half, and to ask some 
 capitalist to buy the remainder. Subse- 
 quently it was thought that the Institution 
 would thus have no room for expansion. 
 It was therefore decided to purchase the 
 whole at the price offered, viz. Taels 4,000, 
 and to sell the surplus should it not here- 
 after be required. Mr. Esti produced a 
 plan fot a ■Ghtnese 'building, and » speci- 
 ieatiou h'e had dlrawn Up in connection 
 with a native architect, l^hese were sub- 
 mitted to the 'Committeejfor consideratiou. 
 It Vraa determined, howeVer, to make 
 fUrttwr InveatigatiQns as to the most 
 ■imitabie style tif building, and to invite 
 tend'erS before the next meeting. 
 
 At tih« eighth toeeting of the Committee, 
 tfliioh *as held on the 11th of July, 1'875, 
 'letters 'Were Irea'd from the iJome Agent 
 with reference, to the coltection and for- 
 -warding of objects for exhibition, asking 
 the Slianghai vomtnittee to have a more 
 definite 'code of regulations established for 
 the guidance of intending e^'hibitors, and 
 to appoint a Foreign Agent to taanage the 
 ■eithibltion part of the 'scheme, it Vras 
 ■determined, however, to let these matters 
 'stand over for further consideration till 
 the Institution ha4 grown to such an 
 'extent &% to walrrant such steps being taken. 
 A. letter was read from Mr. H.' Budler, of 
 Ataoy, reporting the establishment of a 
 kilrdred Institution at that port, and ask- 
 ing the Com'mittee to regard it as a branch 
 institution. It was resolved to render the 
 
 Amoy Beading Booms all possible co-opera- 
 tioU consistent with the present plan. The 
 question of the Chinese library having been 
 discussed atBomelength,MrWy lie was askecl 
 to proceed with his list of suitable books, 
 and to take the management of tlie selec- 
 tion of the works for the Library into his 
 own hands. The building question was 
 next taken into consideration. After la 
 long discussion, it was unanimously agreed 
 that Mr. Usii's plan and specification 
 should be accepted, and that he should at 
 once make the Contract with the native 
 builder for Taels 2,960, the Work to be 
 completed within three months' time. 
 Sliould further subscriptions not be forth- 
 coming in ,time, it was agreed t,hat the 
 spare land should be mortgaged to c«btaia 
 funds for the completion of the building. 
 
 Since the last meeting. His Es:celleu«y 
 the Taotai of Shanghai has generously 
 promised to pay Taels 2,000 towards the 
 balance of the "faels 3,000, required not 
 only to finish the building, but to pur- 
 chase the necessary furniture, bodkSj &c., 
 and to make everything ready for openiUg 
 the Institution. The date of opiening has 
 not yet been fixed, but it will be in aU 
 probability during the month of Decem- 
 ber. It is purpoted to inaugurate th,e 
 building in a formed manner wJien the 
 time arrives. The premises are situated 
 at the JCorner of the floopeh and Quangsa 
 Roads, on the South-w«St border of the 
 Old Race Course. They will present « 
 very neat and respectable appearance, espe- 
 cially from a ojative point of view, since 
 they are being built in the Chinese style, 
 of Architecture and arranged to suit Chi- 
 nese tastes. When completed, they will be 
 amply large enough .for present purposes. 
 The main building willihave two rooms 
 each 4'6 feet by i22 feet, one on each floor, 
 besides eight rooms of 16 feet Square, so 
 arranged in pairs W»at any pair can b'a 
 thrown into one room at pleasure. Tbere 
 wilt also be ten other rooms, mostly small 
 ones, for the residence of the curators and 
 for general purposes. 
 
 The Committee feel that the duties they 
 have undertaken are of no easy nature. 
 The difficulties tlwy have already had to 
 contend with have been Considerable, and 
 when the building is completed, the most 
 arduous part of the labour mill really only 
 just be commencing. But how.ev«r.mu<ch 
 the foreign and native members of the 
 Committee may exert themselves, it will 
 still be necessary to call on -the foreign 
 
resideuts in China, as well as natives, to 
 render further asaistanoe. The organi- 
 zation of such an institution, getting 
 everything into thorough working order, 
 and afterwards carrying it on year aft<er 
 year, will involve no inconsiderable amount 
 of time, expense, and trouble. Not only 
 will annual subscriptions be necessary, but 
 each of the three branches will require 
 special Iielp. Wot the Chinese library, 
 books, periodicals, engravings «&c., will 
 be acceptable. For the lecture room and 
 classes, not only a plentiful Supply of ap- 
 paratus will be uecessary, but also the 
 assistance and co-opetation of such for- 
 eigners and Natives as are able to ex- 
 plain or lecture upon ordinary scientific 
 subjects, lE'or the Exhibition, anything 
 likely to instruct and benefit the Chi- 
 nese may be sent, with an explanation 
 of its use, &c., if requisite. It has been 
 proposed by the Home Committee to erect 
 a separate building adjoining the present 
 one, for the tiole purpose of the Exhibition 
 branch of the scheme. Plans and specifica- 
 tions for a suitable and highly ornamental 
 iron building have been received, but 
 unless the necessary funds can be raitied iu 
 England or elsewhere, it will be some time 
 before tlie present fnstitution will have 
 developed suMcieutly to suable it to under- 
 take such a large extension of its original 
 plan. For the time being, there will be 
 abundant room within the Polytechnic 
 building for all articles sent for Exhibition 
 or use. Up to the present time, only 
 fourteen cases of articles sent from 
 England have reached Shanghai, and have 
 been kindly stored by Messrs. Mackenzie 
 & Co. in their godowiis ; but a consider- 
 able number more will probably arrive 
 before t5le date of opening. The Home 
 Committee in London has recently been 
 increased, and now numbers nine mem>- 
 bera, as follows : — 
 
 Sir Macdonald Stephenson. 
 
 Major-Oeneral Sir James Alexander. 
 
 Sir John Davis. 
 
 Sir Joseph Whitworth. 
 
 George Turnbull, Esq., late Superin- 
 tending Engineer of E. India Bailway. 
 
 0. St. George Cleverly, Esq., late Sur- 
 veyor-General, Hongkong. 
 
 The Hon. J. fil. Stawrence, and J. R. 
 Watts, Esq., Honorary Secretaries. 
 
 John Bourne, Esq., O.E., Home Agent, 
 66, Mark Lane, EC. 
 The Home Committee is now holding 
 frequent meetings, and making tlie most 
 
 strenuous exertions to forward the 
 interests of the Institution, especially the 
 Exhibition portion of it. Manufacturers 
 have been applied to for exhibits, and 
 philanthropists have been asked for sub- 
 scriptions, not only in England, but in 
 other countries. The efforts of such au 
 influential Committee cannot fail to bring 
 about results which the Committee iu 
 Shanghai dared bot even to hope for when 
 the scheme was iirst proposed. The sur- 
 plus land belonging to the Institution is 
 quite large enough to admit; an ornamental 
 building for an Exhibition such as they 
 propose, resembling those in Europe on a 
 small scale. Such an Exhibition would be 
 a most valuable adjunct to the Institution, 
 and could hardly fail to prove a success. 
 Chinese members of the Committee and 
 officials who have seen or heard of the 
 design, are highly pleased with the idea, 
 and think that great part of the funds 
 could be obtained in China by subscrip- 
 tions. Should this plan fall through, how- 
 ever, the Home Committee will still have 
 rendered much valuiible assistance and 
 co-operation in procuring the necessary 
 objects for display and fur use iu the 
 Polytechnic Building. 
 
 It is a matter of much regret that not- 
 withstanding the precautions that have 
 been taken to prevent any mistaken notions 
 from arising both iu China and Europe 
 respecting the scope and design of this 
 Institution, there have nevertheless been 
 statements appearing in different news- 
 papers and journals calculated greatly to 
 mislead the public. While on the one 
 hand this small local establishment has 
 already been magnified into nothing less 
 than an " International Exhibition" and 
 a " Crystal Palace," it has on the other 
 hand been distorted into nothing better 
 than a sort of bazaar or emporium for the 
 general advertisement and sale of goods. 
 It is hoped that the present Report Will 
 go far both to check these absurd miscon- 
 ceptions, the publication of which is so 
 greatly to be deprecated-, and also to show 
 that the Committee has not swerved at all 
 from the original purpose, but has only 
 endeavoured to carry it out on a somewhat 
 larger and more comprehensive scale, an- 
 swering better the requirements of such 
 au important and central place as Shang- 
 hai really is. 
 
 On looking over the list of subscribers 
 which is annexed, it is rather surprising to 
 notice that only a small proportion of 
 
10 
 
 the subsoi'iptiona has been given > by , For- 
 eigners. The large dondtiuns, iranii the 
 high officials BhoW: tha.t,they t*k6 ji liyely 
 and keen interest inithe soheuie,; and thip 
 is perhaps the most encouraging ,feat;ure 
 .that .could hftve been hoped for. , Hitherto 
 sHcli plans as have been devised, for the 
 intellectual improvement of the Chinese 
 liave been almost entirely, supported by 
 Foreign iSubBCriptions, and have only been 
 availed of by the lower classes as a general 
 rule. But here we see some of the highest 
 officials in the Empire coming to the front 
 and not only sending large subscriptions, 
 but expressing openly their approval of a 
 scheme started by Foreigners. The replies 
 of the two Viceroys,, to whom memorials 
 were sent by Mr. Hsti, are so highly satis- 
 factory that they will be framed and 
 suspended in the Hall of the main build- 
 ing. Whetherthe middle and educated class 
 will avail themselves largely of the benefits 
 of this Institution remains of course to be 
 seen ; but there is every reason to believe 
 that such will be the case. Passing events 
 in China seem more than ever to. show 
 that now is the very time to make the 
 experiment. 
 
 As yet no plan has been decided upon 
 for defraying the current expenses of the 
 Institution after it has been opened. It is 
 feared that for years to come it will not be 
 wholly self-supporting. Mr. Tong King- 
 sing has exerted himself to try and obtain 
 cue hundred annual subscribers of six 
 dollars each among his native friends in 
 Shanghai, but as yet he has barely obtained 
 half that number. It need hardly be 
 added that annual subscriptions or dona- 
 tions from Foreign residents in China, and 
 in fact from any part of the world are 
 much needed, and will be thankfully re- 
 ceived by the Shanghai Committee or the 
 London Committee. The suggestions of 
 those subscribers who may interest them- 
 selves in the advancement of the Institu- 
 tion, are also earnestly invited and will 
 receive due consideration. 
 
 Among the suggestions already received, 
 there is one by which the leading mercan- 
 tile firms in China could materially further 
 the progress of the Institution, viz., by 
 recommending it to the notice of their 
 firms at Home. Copies of this Beport 
 will be supplied by the Hon. Secretfiry to 
 
 any one who may wish for them, to send 
 home ; and if accompanied by a statement 
 of how the Institution might be able to 
 benefit each individual firm in bringing 
 the particular branches of commerce it is 
 engaged in before the notice of theChinese 
 public, the result could hardly fail to be a 
 mutual advantage. 
 
 It is hoped that as this scheme becomes 
 better known, branch Institutions will 
 soon be established at all the other treaty 
 ports. At Amoy a Reading Room has 
 already been started. At Kiukiang.it ia 
 purposed to establish one shortly. |n.f><c^, 
 there is no reason why Foreign Riesidents 
 who interest themselves in the improve- 
 ment of the Chinese, should not endeavour 
 to establish branch Institutions in what- 
 ever part of Cliina they may live. The 
 Shanghai Committee would of course be 
 glad to render them all the assistance and 
 co-operation possible. . It may , also be 
 mentioned that certain of the officials of the 
 Fukien province have sent to enquire the 
 way in which the Shanghai Institution has 
 been established, and the regulations which 
 have been made for its management, .with 
 the view of commencing a similar. Inaliitu- 
 tion in Foochow. ; 
 
 The Shanghai Committee while now pre- 
 senting this first Report to the subscribers 
 and well-wishers to the lustitution, ha,vfi 
 the satisfaction of feeling thatteVerytiving 
 has gone on well thus far, and that there 
 is every reason to hope their efforts, will be 
 crowned with permanent success; A scheme 
 so entirely new to China has, as a mattejr 
 of course, to be worked under many and 
 great disadvantages. Every step being oil 
 new and untried ground, has necessitated 
 the expenditure of much time and trouble 
 in feeling the way. The interest displayed 
 by the Chinese themselves is a most grati- 
 fying feature, and calls for still further 
 assistance and co-operation on the part 
 of Foreigners, because in endeavouring to 
 break down the barriers of ignorance and 
 prejudice, thereby fostering international 
 communication, and commercial enterprise, 
 the Institution is calculated to benefit For- 
 eigners as well as Chinese in a way hitherto 
 impracticable, 
 
 John Fetee, 
 
 Hon. Secretary. 
 
11 
 
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14 
 (B)— LIST OF CONTRIBUTIONS BY FOREIGNERS 
 
 TO THE 
 
 CHINESE POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTION AND READING ROOM. 
 
 Herman Budler (I. M. Customs) 
 
 Jardine Matlieson & Co 
 
 Augustine Heard & Co 
 
 H'kong & Sbaughai Bnkg. Corp. 
 
 Kussell &Co 
 
 Gilraan & Co 
 
 Iveson & Co 
 
 Butterfield & Swire 
 
 Dent & Co 
 
 Gibb Livingston & Co. 
 
 Birley Worthington & Co 
 
 Alfred Dent & Co 
 
 Little & Co. 
 
 Mackenzie & Co 
 
 T. K. Wheelock 
 
 Chapman King & Co 
 
 Tate & Hawes 
 
 Comptoir d'Escompte 
 
 Alex. Patterson 
 
 Morris Lewis & Co 
 
 Frazar & Co 
 
 Shaw Brothers & Co 
 
 David Sassoon Sons & Co 
 
 Taylor & Kerr 
 
 Nils Mtiller 
 
 F. W. Lemarchand, 
 
 Jas. A. Taylor 
 
 H. Foggft Co 
 
 Knoop & Co 
 
 Drysdale Einger & Co 
 
 Kelly 4;Co 
 
 Henry Hertz 
 
 A. Bovet 
 
 E. Francis 
 
 Henry Lister 
 
 Lacroix et Cie 
 
 H. Evans 
 
 D. J. Macgowan 
 
 Blain&Co 
 
 D. N. Camajee 
 
 Tit. I 
 
 ... 20.00 
 50.00 
 50.00 
 50.00 
 50.00 
 50.00 
 50.00 
 25.00 
 25.00 
 60.00 
 50.00 
 25.00 
 
 5.00 
 10.00 
 
 5.00 
 10.00 
 10.00 
 
 50.00 
 
 5.00 
 10.00 
 
 5.00 
 25.00 
 50.00 
 
 5.00 
 
 5.00 
 5.00 
 20.00 
 5.00 
 5.00 
 5.00 
 
 5.00 
 
 5.00 
 
 10.00 
 10.00 
 
 5.00 
 
 5.00 
 
 5.00 
 5.00 
 
 5.00 
 5.00 
 
 Carried forward 690.00 100.00 
 
 Brought forward . . . 
 
 Herbert Morris 
 
 Walter Shepherd 
 
 J. P. Bisset & Co 
 
 W. Schmidt 
 
 fl. A. de Carvalho 
 
 Moffat Weithers & Co 
 
 A. Cumine 
 
 R. S. Raphael '. 
 
 Cowasjee Pallanjee & Co 
 
 Framjee Hormusjee 
 
 Naohtrieb Laroy & Co 
 
 Mtiller & Co. 
 
 P. Maclean ; 
 
 R. SohJiok 
 
 F. Lueder 
 
 A. Provand & Co 
 
 R. E. Wainewright 
 
 A. Robinson 
 
 W. Saunders 
 
 A Friend 
 
 Jas. M. Young 
 
 W, V. Drummond 
 
 E.-C. Taintor 
 
 Jas. S. Kermath 
 
 F. Farr 
 
 AFriend 
 
 S. Seligmann. 
 
 C. L. Simpson 
 
 AFriend 
 
 E. Gipperich 
 
 S. Baur 
 
 J. G.Weill ., 
 
 V. V 
 
 Chas. Lyall Grant 
 
 Arthur Anderson 
 
 Geo. B. Glover 
 
 The Misses S. A. & H. Crampton 
 
 Boyd& Co 
 
 T. F. Wade, o.b 
 
 Tie. 
 
 690.00 
 
 10.00 
 
 10.00 
 
 20.00 
 
 6.00 
 
 $ 
 
 100.00 
 
 5.00 
 
 10.00 
 
 6.00 
 
 5.00 
 
 5.00 
 
 10.00 
 
 5.00 
 
 5.00 
 
 5.00 
 5.00 
 
 5.00 
 5.00 
 5.00 
 
 5.00 
 
 5.00 
 5.00 
 10.00 
 5.00 
 5.00 
 
 5.00 
 5.00 
 
 10.00 
 5.00 
 5.00 
 5.00 
 5.00 
 5.00 
 5.00 
 1.00 
 
 10.00 
 5.00 
 
 10.00 
 
 10.00 
 333.33 
 100.00 
 
 Total 1,243.33 221,00 
 
 i^o««.— Received to a/o of next report— Reid Evans & Co., Tls. 50; J. Broadhurst Tootal, Tl«. 10. 
 
15 
 
 (O— CONTEIBUTIONS BY CHINESE. 
 
 Pbb Tsbasureb. 
 J»ck Ayoung & Co. jj^ ^ 
 
 Cheap Jack & Co 
 
 Ching-ChoDg^ |^ .... 
 
 Leeching ^Ij ^ 
 
 Chun-Hang ^ "^ 
 
 Yuet-Bung & Co.*!^ ^ , 
 Kin-tee-yuen ^^ g^ ... 
 
 Kiun-Hang 
 
 Jimmy John ^W j]^ .... 
 Le-Kee&Co. 7^] fg •• 
 
 Ching-JFoong 
 
 Jimmy Jim 
 
 Sin 
 
 Tie. 
 
 $ 
 5.00 
 10.00 
 5.00 
 5.00 
 5.00 
 5.00 
 5.00 
 5.00 
 3,00 
 5.00 
 6.00 
 1.00 
 1.00 
 
 $60.00 
 
 Collected per Wang Yunq-ho. $ TIs. 
 
 From Taotai, 8hen 200.00 
 
 The Che Hsien, Yeh 100. 00 
 
 Kianguan Arsenal 100.00 
 
 Lin-Pei-Yae 100.00 
 
 Self .' 50.00 
 
 Fung-Hin, Hong 50.00 
 
 Hieh-Tek „ 60.00 
 
 Khey.Chang „ 50.00 
 
 Sin-Chang-Tai„ 40.00 
 
 Wang-Wen-Kuen 30.00 
 
 Jwi-HuiHong 30.00 
 
 Chin-Kee, „ 20.00 
 
 520.00 300.00 
 
 Collected per Tong-Kino Sing. 
 From Messrs. Tong and Hsii, of 
 
 C. M. S. N. Co $100.00 
 
 „ Two Messrs. Chil, of Do. 200.00 
 „ The Shanghai C. M. S. N. 
 
 Co 100.00 
 
 $400.00 
 
 For remainder see statement A .