| The Xuyiqiejing Yinyi Compiled by Xi Lin（希麟） was the first dictionary toillustrate the words in sutras. The ditionary has indicated the pronounciation of somewords, explained the meanings of them, compared different shapes of characters andpointed out some mistakes. The important thing is that this dictionary has quoted plentyof classics which had dissapeared now. It has the very big significance on the textualresearch and explication of the words. This dictionary has quoted massively notes andcalligraphy books, summarized the words and expressions that were used at that time. Itis valuable on many aspects.The dictionary has quoted879pieces of materials and contained839characters fromShuowen（說文）. The goals of quotation was mainly to explain the meaning of the words,but occasionally, it was to prove the pronounciation or the shape of characters.Comparing to the modern version, the contents are basically the same. But in terms ofcharacters, it contains similarities and differences. The differences include Jieyong（借用）, Yiwen（異文）, Zhuanshi（轉釋）and Ewu（訛誤）etc. these materials have thegreat significance on the research of Xilin YInyi（希麟音義）and that of Shuowen. |
