James B. Wong

“ TO learn the derivation and meaning of a sufficient number of Chinese characters to enable one to carry on a certain limited correspondence on ordinary topics in the Chinese language is not a formidable task, but to become proficient enough to read all sorts of written, or printed, documents or inscriptions requires years of diligent and patient study. ”

“ All the ancient books, with the exception of certain works on agriculture, medicines, and necromancy, were burnt to ashes at the suggestion of the prime minister, who also caused a great number of literary men—four hundred and sixty, it is said—to be buried alive.
From the inscription engraved on the imperial seal of the Emperor Chi Huang Ti, it is apparent that the characters which prevailed in the dynasty of Ching, were really derived from the original symbols. ”