中國南海地區的考古學資料極其缺乏。本文作者為執行研究計劃，前往東沙島和 南沙太平島做考古學調查。此文為初步調查的成果。全文分成五章；壹、前言：敘述研究的 緣起及其工作的範圍。貳、南海區域發展的歷史背景：從文獻資料看我國人在該區域的四個 階段的發展。參、東沙島的考古學調查：參考自然生態環境、島嶼開發經過和前人已發現的 文物等資料，作者曾經三次前往該島做田野調查工作。發現『東沙遺址』一處。發掘中曾山 土陶瓷器、木炭、鐵釘、鐵器、貝殼和鳥糞石等物，顯示為中國漁民的活動所遺留的遺物和 遺蹟。肆、南沙太平島的考古調查：參考自然生態環境與島嶼開發經過的史實資料，作者曾 經前往該島做了一次全島的地表普查。發現七處地點有古時的陶瓷片等遺留物，但其時代均 屬近代之物；此外在該島尚保有我國清代人的墓葬和其他第二次大戰時日本人遺留的石碑等 物。

　　　　　There exists a dearth in archaeological data on the South China Sea area. The author has conducted an archaeological survey of the Dongsha (Practus) Island and Nansha Taiping Islands of Spratly Isles within the frame of a research project. This paper reports the results of this preliminary survey, and consists of the following five chapters:I. Introduction: an account of the genesis and scope of the project. II. Historical Background of the Development of the South China Sea Area: literary sources on the four phases of development of the Chinese in the area. III. An Archaeological Survey of the Dongsha Island: based on an investigation of the ecological environment, and the process of development of the islands, as well as previously discovered artefacts, the author has successively conducted three surveys of the islands, and discovered the "Dongsha Ruins" site. Within the site, objects such as porcelain shreds, pottery, charcoal, iron nails, ironware, as well as shells and guano, have been uncovered, indicating that these are the remnants of activity of Chinese fisherfolk. IV. An Archaeological Survey of the Nansha Taiping Island: based on an investigation of historical material on the ecological environment, and the process of development of the island, the author has previously conducted a reconnaissance survey of the entire island surface. While the author has discovered ceramic shreds and other remnants at seven different localities, these remains should all be dated to recent times. The island has further preserved Ch'ing dynasty graves, as well as Japanese remains from WWII, such as a broken stone tablet. V. Conclusion.