馬雅各醫師來台醫療宣教的歷史背景

The Historical Background of Dr. James L.Maxwell’s Medical Missionary Work in Taiwan.

本文回顧馬雅各醫師於1865年來台宣教與行醫的歷史背景。馬雅各受《天津條約》等不平等條約保障，得以合法進入台灣展開醫療傳道工作。他受杜嘉德牧師影響選擇台灣，並結合基督教為萬邦宣教與醫療行動的使命，實踐信仰與社會責任。在台南開設醫館後，雖遭地方漢醫與官民排斥，被迫轉往旗後繼續工作。1868年「安平砲擊事件」後，傳教士權利受到保障，馬雅各得以重返台南。他引進外科與產科技術，改善當地醫療，奠定台灣公共衛生與基督教發展的基礎；他所開創的教會醫學時代，標誌著台灣從傳統瘴氣醫學進入現代醫療的轉捩點。馬雅各的奉獻，不僅是醫療改革的起點，也為基督教在台灣建立穩固根基。

This article reviews the historical context of Dr. James Laidlaw Maxwell’s arrival in Taiwan in 1865 to carry out medical missionary work. Backed by the provisions of unequal treaties such as the Treaty of Tientsin, Maxwell was able to legally enter Taiwan and begin his mission. Influenced by Rev. Carstairs Douglas, he chose Taiwan as his field of service, combining the Christian“Great Commission”with medical care to fulfill both spiritual and social responsibilities. After establishing a clinic in Tainan, Maxwell faced hostility from local Chinese physicians and authorities and was forced to relocate to Cihou (modern-day Qijin). Following the 1868 ''Anping Bombardment Incident,'' the British secured greater protection for missionaries, allowing Maxwell to return to Tainan. He introduced advanced surgical and obstetric techniques, improving local healthcare and laying the foundation for public health and the development of Christianity in Taiwan. The era of church-based medicine that he inaugurated marked a turning point, transitioning Taiwan from traditional miasma-based medicine to modern medical practice. Maxwell’s contributions were not only the beginning of medical reform but also established a lasting foundation for Christianity in Taiwan.