곤여도설(坤輿圖說)의 조선 전래와 그 판본 검토 - 인천에 전해지는 윤동규(尹東奎)의 필사본을 중심으로 -

Abstract

This study deals with Kunyu tushuo transcribed by Yun Dong-gyu. It is aimed to reveal the original script of Kunyu tushuo transcribed by him, introduce the notes written in the process of transcribing it, and examine the process of his reading. The focus of it is to show the concrete aspects of a process to accept knowledge equipped with different political, social, or cultural context. Previously, researchers conducted profound discussion on the Seongho School’s level of interest in and understanding of the Occidental studies of nature. Since there is very little material with which we can investigate the detailed aspects of reading A Chinese Translated Book of Occidental Studies, however, this researcher performed discussion with the text mentioning books about Occidental studies which is present sporadically in the collection of works and also letters exchanged as materials. This text of Kunyu tushuo transcribed by Yun Dong-gyu seems valuable as it reveals the concrete aspects of reading A Chinese Translated Book of Occidental Studies practiced by the Seongho School. While transcribing Kunyu tushuo, Yun Dong-gyu left several notes about precessional motion, tide phenomena, and four elements. This way of reading allowed Yun Dong-gyu not to understand the system of studies of nature introduced by the missionaries belonging to the Society of Jesus but just to select some pieces of knowledge in it. This work of selection can be regarded as a task for preparation done by the intellects in late Chosun to transform knowledge included in the Occidental studies of nature and accept it within the existing view of nature.