VIRILE SENTIMENT 113 



whatever that kind might be." " The aim of Eugenics 

 is to represent each class or sect by its best specimens, 

 causing them to contribute more than their propor- 

 tion to the next generation ; that done, to leave them 

 to work out their common civilisation in their own 

 way." 



Mr. Galton thinks that learned and active societies 

 desirous of promoting Eugenics might proceed by the 

 following methods : " (1) Dissemination of a know- 

 ledge of the laws of heredity so far as they are surely 

 known, and promotion of their further study. (2) 

 Historical enquiry into the rates with which the 

 various classes of society (classified according to civic 

 usefulness) have contributed to the population at 

 various times, in ancient and modern nations." Mr. 

 Galton then adds : " There is strong reason for believ- 

 ing that national rise and decline are closely con- 

 nected with this influence." " (3) Systematic collec- 

 tion of facts showing the circumstances in which 

 large and thriving families have most frequently 

 originated. (4) Influences affecting marriage. (5) 

 Persistence in setting forth the national importance 

 of Eugenics." 



With reference to the third and fourth of these 

 proposals — and which may also partake of the nature 

 of a note to pp. 99 and 100 — I would like to add that I 

 have for some time now been endeavouring to collect 

 facts bearing on the causes of what we may call 

 " unhappy or incompatible marriages," and I am 

 desirous of obtaining further information from those 

 who are in a position to give it. Names are not 



