Historical Narrative and Political Entanglements of the"Metasequoia Discovery"in the 1940s
The"Metasequoia Discovery"in the 1940s,was one of the important symbols of the modernization and internationalization of Chinese botany.It directly contributed to the interaction between Chinese and American scholars in plant introduction,field expedition,and nature conservation.However,the existing studies mostly hold discussion from the perspective of"internal history"of science,or focus on analyzing"American factor".In fact,since the early years of the Republic of China,the genealogy of native tree species,which was accumulated with modern scientific methods by Chinese foresters and botanists,laid the knowledge foundation for the discovery of Metasequoia in the rear area.Based on the principles of synergy and mutual exchange,Hu Xiansu(Hsen-Hsu Hu)and other Chinese scholars took the initiative to liaise with the American academic community to conduct joint field investigations and transnational introductions of Metasequoia,although public opinions in both countries were biased to varying degrees in the propaganda of their achievement.The temporary establishment of the Chinese Metasequoia Conservation Committee in 1948,revealed the Nationalist Government's attempt to create momentum for obtaining"U.S.aid"through Metasequoia conservation.It also confirmed the impracticality of transplanting the national park conservation model into China at that time.However,even in the face of all the practical difficulties,Chinese scholars still played a major role in the habitat survey and introduction of Metasequoia.
Metasequoia GlyptostroboidesScientific ExpeditionGenealogy of KnowledgeTransnational CooperationNature Conservation
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