櫻井錠二と日本近代における学術振興の展開

抄録

This paper gives an overview of the thoughts and activities of a leading Japanese chemist of the early modern era in Japan, Dr. Joji Sakurai, on the promotion of science as the nation modernized. Past studies have regarded Sakurai as important mainly for his work as a chemist; however, his works that have now come to be seen as most important are those on the promotion of science, in his later life. Focusing on the context and development process of Sakurai's thoughts and activities, as well as their content, the author casts new light on Sakurai's work with reference to previously unexamined primary materials (Sakurai's own writings). It is found that Sakurai's philosophy originated in his experience studying abroad in England; was shaped by his teaching and administrative work at the Imperial University of Tokyo; and was developed in the establishment of the Institute of Physical and Chemical Research (RIKEN), the National Research Council, and was then used in the Foundation for the Promotion of Scientific Research in the early twentieth century. Sakurai devoted himself to creating a better environment for scientists by institutional support based on his international experiences and academic network. His unique ideas and practical actions to see them realized, fostering creative, international-minded scientists with adequate government financial support, are undoubtedly the main reasons that led to evaluate Sakurai as the leading promoter of Japanese science and research rather than as a pure chemist.