清末的自強運動，帶領中國邁向現代化。實則學習洋務的濫觴，乃始於曾國藩於咸豐、同治年間倡導製造西洋船砲技術開始，進而翻譯西書，設立兵工學校，最後更接受幕府人員的建議，奏請朝廷選派小留學生赴西洋留學，希冀實際培養更多的科技人才。就洋務而言，曾國藩可說是中國現代化的引領者，但在學習西方科技的過程中，無論是接受各方建議，引進各種科技專才，學習觀念上層層的突破，以及在研發上獲致之成果，均非僅憑曾國藩個人意願即可完成。此其中，「人」的因素居主要關鍵，包括了動機的啟發、建議、徵才、主導、執行等。因此曾國藩的幕府職司範圍，自軍、政、財、勤，擴充及於洋務，專業人才更加入了許多機器製造、法律、天文、算學等科技專家，成為幕府中一塊全新的領域。本文即以曾國藩的洋務幕府為主題，探討其人才招募、機構設立、研發內涵與成果，以及對中國現代化之帶動與影響。

The self-strengthening movement at the late Ching dynasty led China to modernization. In fact, the learning of foreign affairs was begun by Tseng Kuo-fan, who in the years of Emperors Hsien Feng and Tung Chih initiated the techniques of manufacturing western ships and guns, then translated books of the West, founded ordnance school, and at last, at the suggestion of the staff of the commanding office, requested the imperial court to select little students to study in the West in the hope of fostering more talents of technology.So far as foreign affairs are concerned, Tseng Kuo-fan may be regarded as the pioneer of modernization in China. However, in the process of learning the technology of the West, whether in the acceptation of the suggestions from various fields, the introduction of all kinds of special talents, the frequent breakthrough of conceptions in learning, or the achievements in research and development, none of them could be attained by Tseng Kuo-fan’s personal aspiration alone. Among these, “human” was the key factor, including the enlightenment of motive, suggestions, recruitment of talents, initiative and execution. Therefore, in the functions of Tseng Kuo-fan’s commanding office, many technological experts in the fields of machine manufacturing, law, astronomy, arithmetic, and so on, had joined the rank of the professional talents in military, politics, finance, service and even foreign affairs and had become a brand new realm in the commanding office.This essay, with Tseng Kuo-fan’s commanding office of foreign affairs as its theme, will discuss its recruitment of talents, establishment of organizations, contents and achievements of research and development, and activation and influence of modernization in China.