Study On The Foundation And Development Of Modern Magnetism In China (1900-1985)

Magnetism is an important branch of physics, but the study on modern magnetism began in the early 20th century in China. This thesis tries to provide a systematic study in the establishment and initial development of Chinese modern magnetism, and a more particular analysis about the relationship between the modern magnetic research, the international magnetic development and the S&T policy of China.This thesis tries to discuss some questions about the modern magnetism in China, including the following aspects:(1) By describing the magnetic studies of overseas students, this thesis tries to make a summary of their personal researches and generalize the features about their research works. And then, this thesis also discusses the domestic works of the main researchers, and analyzes their statuses in the international development, including the important role of the pioneers in the magnetic field, such as Chi-Sun Yeh and J.W. Shih in the process of the initial foundation of Chinese Magnetism.(2) By reviewing the history of the development of magnetic subjects in the early days of the People's Republic of China, this thesis discusses the establishment of research institutions, the settings of magnetic specialty in universities and academic exchanges in magnetic field.(3) The magnetic researchers made some important achievements in the early days of PRC. In the period of "Cultural Revolution", most of the scientific studies were at a standstill in China, but there were some achievements in the magnetic field. In the early days of Reform and Opening-up, some researches reached the international advanced level. This thesis sums up the characteristics of magnetic development and analyzes its causes.(4) By discussing the "1956-1967 Long-term Plan of the Development of Science and Technology" and "1978-1985 Nationwide Plan of the Development of Science and Technology", this thesis analyzes the impact of Chinese S&T policy in the development of science. This thesis focuses on "1956-1967 Subjects Plan of Basic Sciences" and "1978-1985 Nationwide Plan of the Development of Basic Sciences", and generalizes the fatal impact of the plans on the development of magnetism.Studies on the foundation and development of modern magnetism in China provide some ideas for the healthy development of Chinese physics. Therefore we can gain some profitable lessons on the mapping-out of S&T policy.