At the end of 1864, a winter snow slightly lowered the temperature in the celebrating Berlin.
Prussia, which had just won the Prussian-Danish War, was still immersed in the joy of victory. For Zuo Zongtang and his party who arrived in Prussia two months ago, they had witnessed almost the entire war. After all, as early as May,
They arrived in France a few months ago.
After arriving in Prussia, just like in France, Zuo Zongtang and his party not only visited the Prussian Parliament and learned about the Prussian government system, laws and many other aspects, they also visited many factories, as all factory owners expected.
, Zuo Zongtang and his team issued some orders to certain companies.
The order of more than two million marks may not seem like much, but it still shocked the industrial and commercial circles of the German states. However, these orders were not placed in vain. As part of the cooperation, they will accept international students from South China in the next few years.
Its corporate internship.
Perhaps the industry of the German states in 1862 was far inferior to that of Britain and France, but the education industry in Germany was extremely developed. Half a century after Humboldt's educational reform, the German states were becoming the world's academic and educational centers. German universities in the 19th century,
It was also the starting point for the development of modern universities and had a profound impact on the development of higher education in various countries. Even American universities on the other side of the ocean were deeply affected by it. Before a large number of American students studying in Germany entered American universities, the higher education in the United States
The system inherits the British educational tradition, which focuses on teaching rather than research. It is through the introduction of the German-style higher education model that American universities have set their goals in the field of scientific research, not just teaching.
"...German universities focus on research. Famous universities have all opened graduate schools to specialize in cultivating high-level research talents. Drawing on the experience of running schools in German universities and establishing research universities is the correct development direction for higher education in South China."
On the campus of Humboldt University in Berlin, Zuo Zongtang listened carefully to the suggestions of Wang Mingqi and others.
The five young people in front of them are part of the first batch of international students sent by Nanhua. They study law, education, chemistry, mechanics and other majors in various German universities. Although they have just entered university, they still have their own opinions on many matters.
opinions and views.
In this regard, Zuo Zongtang, like other South China students he met in London, Paris and other places, only gave some verbal encouragement. After saying that he would write their suggestions into the inspection report, he also asked them some technical questions.
"Wende, you have been in Germany for almost three years, and you must have a certain understanding of this place. As far as you know, are there any technologies in the German countries that are worth introducing, or technical personnel that are worth introducing to the company?"
"Gas machine!"
Hu Weizong, who had been silent all this time, opened his mouth and said.
"I don't know if you know that the gas engine improved by Roth August Otto of Germany. Although their company is a small company, the power efficiency of the gas engine improved by him is very high. He is currently working with industrialists
Negotiate investment and cooperation to form a company to manufacture and sell this kind of gas engine. This is a free-piston engine, a vertical single-cylinder, with a relatively complex structure and large vibration, but the efficiency is 3 times higher than Lenoir's gas engine. Its
The thermal efficiency is far higher than that of a steam engine, and it also has a four-stroke engine design. Although it is not very mature, I believe that its improvement potential is very great. If you have the idea of introducing technology, you might as well seize the opportunity to negotiate with it and directly
Ross August Otto introduced it to South China with his gas engine."
Although Hu Weizong had a certain understanding of Ross August Otto and his gas machine through magazines, he was vaguely aware of the potential stored in this machine. After all, compared with coal, gas is a
A more efficient fuel.
Of course, the more important point is that the thermal efficiency of the gas engine is far greater than that of the steam engine. The gas engine has only just been invented. If it can be further improved, its potential may even exceed that of the steam engine.
Sometimes, even the person making the suggestion does not know what kind of changes a small suggestion will bring. But in many cases, for people who are in trouble, it is an unprecedented opportunity.
Door.
As a salesman, and a very good one at that, Otto saw the opportunity almost immediately after receiving the invitation.
For today's meeting, Otto specially changed into a new suit. He hoped to leave a good impression on the other party.
As he was about to enter the restaurant, Nikolaus August Otto took a deep breath.
God bless, hope everything goes well.
Although he is an excellent salesman, in the past few months, negotiations with industrialist E. Langen have made little progress. The other party insists on asking for 80% of the shares, and as the inventor, he only has
20% of the shares, which is still a bit far from his bottom line.
After entering the restaurant, Otto saw potential investors - they were mentioned in all the newspapers, the Chinese people from the American Company, and they were a group of extremely generous customers.
"Hello, sir, are you Mr. Zuo?"
Taking off his hat, Otto said respectfully.
"Please take a seat, Mr. Otto."
Zuo Zongtang said.
"what do you want to drink?"
After the tea was served, Zuo Zongtang looked at Nikolaus August Otto, saw him opening his bag and taking out some information, and said.
"Mr. Otto, I already have a certain understanding of your gas machine through the introducer. Now there is only one issue we need to discuss, which is whether you are willing to immigrate to Nanhua."
Although Zuo Zongtang was not good at technology, he decided to recruit Otto after soliciting the technical personnel accompanying the mission. Recruiting technical experts during the inspection was also one of the purposes of his trip.
"What? Immigrate? Sir, I have no such plan yet."
Otto felt a little surprised. Aren't they here to negotiate investment? Why did the topic suddenly change to immigration?
"If you agree to immigrate to Nanhua, the company will invest in a factory to produce the gas machine you designed. You can get 30% of the shares in the form of technical shares. At the same time, the factory will also set up a laboratory for you to be responsible for.
, how about specializing in the research of gas engines?"
Zuo Zongtang directly set out his conditions. In fact, these conditions were prepared by Zhu Xianhai for him. He only needed to adjust the framework at any time.
30%!
Laboratory!
What is certain is that for Otto, these two conditions alone are far beyond the conditions offered by other investors. But when he thinks about immigration, he is still a little unsure.
"Sir, can I think about it?"
With a slight nod, Zuo Zongtang did not continue to try to convince him of his answer. After all, for many people, immigration is a big deal and cannot be persuaded by just a few words.
"sure."
Zuo Zongtang smiled and said in an unquestionable tone.
"But Mr. Otto, you have to remember that in a person's life, once an opportunity is missed, it is very likely that people will regret it for the rest of their lives."
This chapter has been completed!