康熙帝是清朝歷史上極少數對西學有濃厚興趣的帝王，命西洋傳教士進宮教學，認真學習，重視原理內涵，注重實務操作。當時傳教士撰寫大量書信，其中不少論及康熙帝讀書情況和求學精神。本文利用傳教士日記和書信等資料，以傳教士的記述與觀點，比對康熙帝關於讀書的談話，從人物側寫的角度，觀察康熙帝鑽研西學的科目、方法、態度和做學問精神，期以進一步認識康熙帝的品格涵養。
Emperor Kangxi showed a deep interest in Western learning. He invited Western missionaries to instruct him on the theory and practical applications of Western thought. In addition, he introduced China to Western technology and asked missionaries to guide artisans in how to make scientific instruments. Such activities are recorded in the letters of the missionaries and demonstrate the passion and devotion that Emperor Kangxi had to Western learning. Using the perspective of these missionaries, we can also gain insight into the personality of Emperor Kangxi and his attitude towards learning.
