Abstract: As a leading medium of spreading Western learning in the late Qing Dynasty，the publication of translated works plays a vital role in the introduction of Western science and culture, bringing about great social changes in China．By analyzing the social and historical contexts of such publishing upsurge，the paper attempts to explore the causes，significance and limitations of the translation as a form of mass media, providing a paradigmatic basis for the study of mass media in today’s information society．

Keywords: induction of Western learning; publication of translated works; translation as a medium

摘要： 作为晚清西学东渐的主导媒介，翻译出版在引进西方科学文化、促进中国新旧更替等方面均显示出巨大的张力。本文通过剖析翻译出版发轫的历史条件及其勃兴的社会基础，揭示这一特定历史阶段翻译媒介的动因、意义和局限，为当今信息社会媒介研究范式提供依据。

关键词: 西学东渐, 翻译出版, 翻译媒介