Bulletin Summer 1975

and for his work on Chinese ceramic technology. On his way home, Mr. Watt visited museums in England and continental Europe. He thus had an opportunity to revisit the Ashmolean Museum and the Oxford Museum for Art and Archaeology where he previously studied. In all his activities abroad, Mr. Watt was most ably advised and assisted by the staff of the John D. Rockefeller III Fund, and he was able to accomplish more in a shorter time than would otherwise have been possible. Reflecting on his tour abroad, Mr. Watt is of the opinion that although the period of three months at Harvard was not long enough for serious academic work, the other three months of travelling were most useful in acquainting himself with art collections abroad and the technical aspect of museum administration. The knowledge gained on this tour would be most useful both for improving the services provided by the Art Gallery at the Institute of Chinese Studies and in planning for further development of the Art Gallery. Similarly, visits to departments of art history at other universities provided the opportunity for studying the organisation of teaching departments of other universities and the nature and structure of the courses offered. Of all the university museums Mr. Watt visited, the one which he thought the most successfully run was the Fogg Museum of Harvard which integrates completely with the teaching department of the History of Art, while also serving as a popular public museum. The conservation department of the Fogg Museum also contributes major advance in the scientific study of works of art. Mr. Watt is of the opinion that with time and support of the public the Art Gallery of the Institute of Chinese Studies will play an increasingly important part in the cultural life of the University, as well as the community of Hong Kong. Development of the Social Research Centre The Social Research Centre was established in November 1969, for the purpose of understanding Chinese social life from a social scientific perspective. Originating and developed in Western countries, theories and methodologies of modern social science may have facilitated the understanding and improvement of social life in Western countries but may not be totally adequate when applied to Chinese societies. Through empirical research in Chinese societies, the Social Research Centre attempts to test and modify current theories and methods of social science. On the basis of such findings, the Social Research Centre hopes to make recommendations for the improvement of social life in Chinese communities. The work of the Social Research Centre also attempts to complement teaching. Thus, both teachers and students have a role to play in the planning and implementati of Social Research Centre's various research programmes through which some concrete understanding of local social life may be obtained to supplement classroom teaching and learning. Local and International Support Assistance from various sources in the past five years have facilitated the smooth progress of Social Research Centre's various research activities. Intellectual assistance has been generously offered by such noted scholars as Professors C . K. Yang, Robert Chin, Ai-li Chin, Jiri Nehnevajsa, Burkart Holzner, and 1 9