An Educational Revolution by A. C. Selmon, M. D.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Nov 4, 1909

An Educational Revolution

By A. C. Selmon, M. D.

PREVIOUS to August, 1901, education in China consisted in storing the mind with the old Confucian classics. On this date an imperial decree was issued abolishing the old-style curriculum, and directing that thereafter there be examinations in Western arts and sciences. It was further decreed that schools and colleges be established throughout the empire. It was a revolution indeed.

By this one decree an educational system was abolished that had been in vogue for millenniums, and several millions of China’s brightest young men, with their faces toward the dead past, executed a “Right about, face!” and are now looking toward a living future.

We have seen workmen tumbling the idols out of a temple, and in their places putting in tables, chairs, and other necessary appliances for a modern school. Formerly, female education was a thing unthought of. There were no schools for girls outside of mission schools.

It is for such a time as this, and in the face of such conditions as these, that we are called upon to devote every energy to the work for China’s millions.

Honan. A. C. SELMON, M. D.