rangaku scholar; scholar of Western sciences via Dutch during the Edo period
Historical term for a scholar who studied Western sciences, medicine, and technology through Dutch books and contacts during Japan's period of isolation.
See also: 蘭学
Sugita Genpaku is a famous rangaku scholar.
During the Edo period, many rangaku scholars translated Dutch medical texts.
Compound of 蘭 (ran, 'Dutch' or 'Holland') + 学 (gaku, 'study') + 者 (sha, 'person'). Refers to scholars of Dutch learning during the Edo period.