This manuscript provides the first-ever cartometric study of portolan chart geometry that firmly corroborates the classical antiquity origin of their spatial data. The conclusions are not solely based on the numerical approach, yet they are also substantially supported by the available historical records. Concurrently, it provides a detailed overview of the history of cartometric studies of portolan charts, especially in terms of explaining the benefits and constraints of their methodology.

In 1944, Ms. Y.S. Ma, the only female geologist in China at the time was killed at the age of 25. This year marks the 82nd anniversary of her tragic death. This article is dedicated to the young scholar who died before achieving her goal, leaving future generations deeply saddened.

Obituary: Bodo Reinisch (1936–2025).

As China's first scientific institution, Geological Survey of China created many firsts in Chinese geological education, research, and exploration. Unfortunately, following the murder of the geologist Chao by bandits in Yunnan in 1929, in 1944, three more geologists were killed in Guizhou, bordering Yunnan. Among the three were Ms. Ma, the only female geologist in China at the time, and Mr. Hsu and Chen. They were killed on the same day, at the ages of 25, 36, and 28 respectively.