OF A CERTAIN PENNSYLVANIA FAMILY. 11 



II. MATERIAL AND METHODS. 



The data for this research were gathered during the summer, autumn, 

 and winter of 1913-14. By far the greater number of families studied 

 are scattered through the rural communities of Western Pennsylvania 

 within easy reach of the Institution for the Care of the Feeble-Minded, 

 Polk, Pennsylvania. It has thus been possible to be in and out of the 

 many households as a famihar visitor and to gather first-hand much 

 evidence on the points involved. 



The population of these communities has remained comparatively 

 stable since their founding over a century ago. It has included, too, 

 a considerable proportion of intelligent people to whom the eccentrici- 

 ties and defects of the inferior lines have been of interest. Sayings 

 and doings have been treasured up which throw much light on the per- 

 sonalities of earlier times. In the better lines an interest in genealogy 

 has materially helped in the investigation. 



A system of vital records had been in operation in this State only 

 seven years, but wherever records of wills and deeds and registers of 

 charitable agencies are accessible they have been consulted and the 

 data checked against the results of personal interviews. In a few 

 instances information has been given by letter; but here great pre- 

 cautions were taken to establish the reliability of the informant and 

 the data checked by extensive cross-reference. 



In estimating the character and abilities of the members of this net- 

 work, chief rehance has been placed on what may be called the social 

 test. This test has obvious faults and limitations, but in the present 

 instance it appears to be the only one available. No tests have yet 

 been devised which satisfactorily gage the personality or nieasure 

 many of the traits most essential to human progress. The application 

 of those already in use was impracticable in most cases. While it 

 would no doubt have contributed to the standardization of estimates 

 so far as the present generation is concerned, the fact that it could not 

 be applied to the majority of persons made it seem unwise to apply it 

 in any case. 



The social test has reference to social efficiency. Briefly defined, 

 the socially efficient individual is one who bears his own weight and 

 does something more for the welfare of his fellows. To speak in bio- 

 logical terms, he is one who, through reasonable adaptation to his 

 environment, succeeds in maintaining himself and contributes his share 

 to the maintenance and further development of that environment. 

 The power to do this involves the interplay of many factors, and it is 

 well to bear in mind that the complex organization of society makes 

 possible an almost infinite variety of combinations of these factors to 

 attain the end desked. It is possible, however, to enumerate certain 

 essential factors. To be socially efficient, the person must be in the 



