CHAPTER XXXVI 



EUGENICS 



Sir Francis Gallon. 



Underwood & Underwood. 

 Charles Davenport. 



What is the importance of eugenics ? What is the difference between 

 eugenics and euthenics? How can eugenics and euthenics be applied 

 practically f 



Eugenics is the division of biology that deals with the improve- 

 ment of the human race. It is a new science built upon an applica- 

 tion of what we know concerning the laws of heredity. It also 

 includes the study of how to improve the environment, although 

 the effect of environmental conditions on people is frequently 

 referred to as euthenics. 



History of the eugenics movement. In 1883, Sir Francis Galton, 

 an Englishman, became interested in the science concerned with 

 the improvement of the human race, to which he gave the name 

 eugenics. He had in mind the improvement of human character- 

 istics through heredity. In 1921, the Second International Con- 

 gress of Eugenics stated that eugenics was the self-direction of 

 human evolution. This means that individuals through good or 

 poor marriages, can improve or impair the mental or physical heri- 

 tage of future generations. The science of heredity has contrib- 

 uted much to eugenics. Many family histories have been inves- 

 tigated and different physical and mental traits have been traced 

 through generations, with the utmost care. These investiga- 



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