The Archives, IHP, has preserved an aluminum disc titled “The Concept of Functions,” a talk delivered by renowned philologist Yuan-ren Chao (1892–1982), who served as the head of the Department of Philology and researcher of the IHP. The talk, 13 minutes in length, was originally broadcast by the Central Broadcasting Station on February 28, 1937, and later recorded by the IHP on disc. Chao, who had majored in mathematics and taken physics courses as electives at Cornell University, remarks in the talk that he had not written or discussed the topic for some time. Nevertheless, he elaborates on his understanding of the concept of functions, explaining that physics does not focus primarily on causal relationships but rather on analyzing natural phenomena and exploring their quantitative and functional relations. He ultimately emphasizes that it is a powerful intellectual tool for examining the logic of things.