XIV INTRODUCTION 



and a consideration of population growth, the minghng of 

 races, and the question of the purposeful improvement of 

 the human species. 



THE PROPER STUDY OF MANKIND IS MAN 



Studies in human biology are now for the first time 

 coming into their own. . With a basis of exact science in 

 mathematics and physics and chemistry, all biology begins 

 to have a firm foundation. It will always be difficult to make 

 exact observations and to formulate theories which govern 

 hving organisms as compared to the accuracy of studies 

 in pure mathematics or of inanimate matter. It is more 

 difficult still to arrive at exactness when research concerns 

 human beings as contrasted with simpler forms of hfe. 

 But progress is being made. The recent advances in preven- 

 tive medicine are among the great triumphs of science of 

 all time. Knowledge appHcable to man's welfare is now 

 coming in other phases of biology. Studies in physiology 

 and chemistry are giving information concerning glands and 

 diet that have direct influence upon Hfe and health. Biologists 

 with a background of statistics are bringing in information 

 concerning wide tendencies in disease and death, in population 

 growth and potential evolution. Men called anthropologists 

 are searching out the history of past races and the hfe 

 and habits and customs of living peoples in diverse parts 

 of the earth, and by putting together all this information 

 they give us some idea of the directions in which we are 

 developing and of ways in which we may shape the course 

 of our own progress. Sociologists and poHtical scientists 

 and economists are beginning to glean objective evidence 

 of the ways we hve together and act in group hfe. Psycholo- 

 gists and psychiatrists are delving into our minds — even our 

 subconscious thoughts and emotions. 



Each science depends upon the others. It is largely because 

 of the progress in such fundamental disciphnes as physics 

 and chemistry that advance is now possible in general 

 biology and in the biological aspects of man. The present 

 volume is a compendium of present knowledge in the several 

 subjects that comprise the study of Man as an Animal. 

 It should serve as a record against which to measure the 

 rapid and significant advance that may be just ahead. 



