Analysis of Wei Yuan's Researches on the Evolution of History and Geography of the Border Areas

Wei Yuan was a famous progressive historian during the early times of modern China. He was concerned about the country's destiny as well as the weal and woe of the people. In order to defend his country against enemies, he investigated the evolution of history and geography of the border areas. His researches involved textual criticism and pragmatism and it is a combination of the two characters. In fact, he was a champion of pragmatism and the fact that he investigated the history and the course of change and development at the border areas embodies his inclination. Wei Yuan played an important role in the academic circle concerning investigating this subject during the late Qing Dynasty because of his ingenious exploration in this respect.