當要從事中國之政治、社會、經濟各方面的歷史研究時，中國水利社會史研究便成為重要而且有強之途徑，但水利灌溉、治水等事業無法單獨實施，它們必讀與歷史的自然環境、社會經濟方面的問題密切配合方能進行。因此，透過中國水利史之個別研究，方纔有可能將各時代的政治、社會、經濟等各層面，或中國之歷史的特質加以闡明。森田明博士著《清代水利社會史研究》即基於此一觀點來探討華中、華商（含臺灣）各地水利組織之地域性形態，與那些作為水利組織之結構與其基本特性者，而本文則是對此一鉅著作較詳的介紹與評論。

　　As to engaging in the research of Chinese politics, society, and economy, the research of Chinese water conservancy becomes an important and effective method. But irrigation and regulating watercourses can't carry out singly, they have to proceed closely with nature environment and social economy. Therefore, only through the individual research in Chinese social history of water conservance, it would be feasible to expound various aspects of politics, society, and economy in each epoch, or the traits of history. Alkira's The Researh of Water Conservancy in Ching's Social History is based on the view to probe into the area morphology of water conservancy organization in the Middle China and Southern China (including Taiwan). Comparing with other writings that are related to the structure of water conservancy organization and its 'basic traits, this article has more explicit introduction and criticism to the writing.