clearly the fact that each of us is in a measure responsible for the future characteristics of the race. The "after us the deluge " theory is not popular in our generation. We are much influenced, even the most inconspicuous of us, by the desire to be of service in the uplifting of mankind to higher levels, and the eugenic consideration when fully presented and understood will have its influence. One difficulty is that in this as in many other cases in which the facts of science touch the practical sides of life, there is great temptation for enthusiasts to make extravagant claims in the name of science that in the long run do harm to the cause by furnishing points for justifiable criticism. I for one would have little or no confidence in the judgment of any man, scientific or unscientific, who became very specific in saying thou shalt or thou shalt not in the matter of mating among normal people. Like Mr. Huxley I am not willing to believe that any man has wisdom enough to give such advice freely. Moreover while every one may be supposed to take some pride in his own kith and kin, that man must be encased in the triple-brass of a dense egotism who can feel that the germ-stock represented in his proper person is wholly

best for survival.

Mr. Pearson talks eloquently and impressively of the possibility of breeding for intelligence and character. He makes us understand that in those nations in which families of brains and righteousness perpetuate their kind by mating with similars, leaders are likely to arise, and that such nations may be the "dominant factors in civilisation by the end of the century." But he does not suggest any specific means to this end. The

method presented to us by a consideration of the results of breeding in the case of lower animals, namely, the method of compulsory mating, is of course out of the question. And the method once suggested of employing eugenic certificates as a basis for marriage is, it seems to me, scarcely less impracticable. If we wish to apply the principle of positive eugenics to the betterment of the race we must consider the ways and means by which voluntary mating may be influenced in the right direction. There are certain misalliances on the physical side that occur altogether too commonly and that might be prevented. In the case of an obvious disease such as leprosy public opinion will not sanction the marriage relation, and indeed the element of selfprotection is sufficient to save the sound in body from exposing themselves to the danger of such a relation. There are however certain diseased conditions which in the matter of physical danger are scarcely less dreadful than leprosy that have not been put under the ban. In a way they are more dangerous than leprosy because they are concealed from public knowledge, and by way of marriage these diseases are communicated to wholly innocent persons. An awakened public conscience is needed to drag these conditions into the light and to provide such laws or customs as will insure that those entering into a marriage contract do not thereby expose themselves or their offspring to a hidden but serious physical danger. It seems incredible that those afflicted with such diseases should deliberately enter upon the marriage relation and thus endanger the health or life of those they profess to love - but the records show that such is the case. Public sentiment

must be aroused against this unjust practice and it is to be hoped that the common sense of mankind will eventually sanction the suggestion that proper health certificates shall be a customary feature in marriage arrangements.

As regards misalliances on the mental side, if I may use this phrase, it is evident that eugenics must exert its influence through the agencies of education and appeal to the higher qualities rather than by means of legislative enactments. It is a misfortune from the eugenic standpoint to have the intelligent mated with the stupid, or the high-minded with the low in character - it seems to be a case of mixing pure gold with a baser metal.

But so long as we hold to our good custom of founding marriage mainly on affection and mutual attractiveness, it is a difficult and delicate matter to influence the direction that fancy may take. Mr. Galton looked at the subject in a practical and sensible way. He calls attention to the fact that it is our custom to allow many considerations to play a minor part in this question of selecting one's partner for life - considerations of race, of religion, of occupation, of financial standing, etc. etc, and what he hoped for was, that as a result of a general education in regard to the influence of heredity, eugenical considerations also may take their part among those factors whose additive influence determines the choice that is made. This is a moderate and conservative suggestion, but quite sufficient to give point to an educational propaganda. It is likely in the long run to prove wiser and more beneficial than an advocacy of more radical measures. In spirit and intent it accords

very well with the advice of the wise and experienced in such matters at all times. "Marry only for love,' said William Penn, "but be sure that thou lovest what is lovely." This sage aphorism may be interpreted to mean that we should so cultivate our appreciation of what is best in humanity as to be attracted only by those who possess desirable qualities. I fancy that this state of things is what positive eugenics hopes to accomplish or to aid in accomplishing; not by force, not even by deliberate persuasion, but by bringing to the consciousness of educated people a realisation of the fact that the welfare of the next generation will be influenced by the way they marry, as well as by the way they live.

V

EUGENICS: ITS DATA, SCOPE AND PROMISE, AS SEEN BY THE ANATOMIST

HARVEY ERNEST JORDAN

THE purpose of this lecture is to attempt to arouse intelligent interest on the part of university students in the new science of eugenics. I have selected my materials and shaped the discussion with a view to best meeting the needs as I understand them of the average student. I have moreover attempted, as far as seemed practicable, to employ primarily such illustrative data. as I have myself touched in my work and my special interests; and further to include in my discussion more particularly those aspects of eugenics which would seem to make a singular appeal to youth and the spirit of altruism.

Whoever treats the subject of eugenics sympathetically and from the biological viewpoint must employ very much the same basic facts, but he can choose his illustrations from quite a variety of materials. Interpretations can not differ very markedly; conclusions can be stated only more conservatively or more radically. My own notions of a working programme are conservative; however, in an attempt to present the full force of the genetic data with reference to their eugenic significance, I may perhaps at points seem to err on the side of radicalism. My main mission, I take it, is to arouse interest and to stimulate independent thought.