| 摘要: | Before discussing research themes in historical geography, it is necessary to consider the nature of the subject. The dichotomy of dividing historical geography into historical physical geography and historical human geography is a mistake. Since the focus of geographical study is man, inquiries unrelated to man cannot be considered geographical studies, though the research methods may be geographical. In historical geography, it is the subject matter that matters. Therefore, theoretically it is impossible to have either historical physical geography or historical human geography. Historical geography is neither physical nor human geography. Similar to regional geography, historical geography is independent of both physical and human geography. The focus of interest in historical geography has shifted from time to time across a broad range of inquiries. Research interests vary with scholars as well. Works pub1ished under the title of historical geography can be c1assified under fourteen different themes: 1. progressive changes of po1itical boundaries, 2. geographical discoveries and exploration, 3. ancient gazetteers, 4. influence of geography upon history, 5. impact of history on geography, 6. reconstruction of past geographies, 7. sequent occupance, 8. geographical changes, 9. processes of geographical change, 10. retrogressive narratives of the past, 11. investigations of re1ic features, 12. perceptions of the past, 13. models in historical geography, and 14. studies in theory. Among these, the investigations of past geographies and studies of geographical change are currently still major activities, while inquiries of the perception of the past, |
