从文字学角度看，西周金文中将“还”读作“县”，既“有律有例”，又有文献和史实的依据，且文字、文献及史实均可交验互证。读“还”为“县”，在各方面皆有充分依据，可为定谳。将金文与传世文献等互证，至迟在西周中期懿孝之世已有“县”，其性质为“县鄙”之“县”，与后世“郡县”之“县”有别。元年师史簋的“大左”，殆即“大将”、“大帅”；“左右师氏”即王身边的卫戍部队“虎臣”之长官；师史担任“丰还”的“大左”，“官司丰还左右师氏”，系王之亲信、重臣，或即京畿卫戍区长官，战时可代王领兵出征。

An Argumentation of the Character “Xian” in Bronze Inscriptions of the Western Zhou Dynasty:

With a Discussion of the Importance of Paleographic Materials to Relevant Studies          Huang Jinqian

In a perspective of philology, reading the character “huan” in bronze inscriptions of the Western Zhou Dynasty as “xian” both conforms to certain rule, and could be supported by evidences of literature and historical facts. The character, literature, and historical facts could be proved interactively. With mutual conformation of bronze inscriptions and extant literature, at the latest of the reigns of King Yi and King Xiao of the midWestern Zhou, there had been the establishment of xian referring to “townshipward”, different from “commanderies and counties” in the later ages. “Dazuo” recorded in Shishi Gui (a kind of bowl with two handles) of the First Year might be Generalinchief, and Left and Right Palace Masters were the senior officials of garrison force around the king. Acting as king’s trusted follower, or the senior official of garrison in the Metropolitan Region, Shishi could lead troops for king in the wartime.