CONCLUSION 217 



to questions of sociology. As from time to time 

 definite conclusions are reached, we shall be ready to 

 formulate our social policy in the light of reasoned 

 beliefs and scientific knowledge of the existing con- 

 ditions and tendencies of the life of the nation. " The 

 proper study of mankind is man," and in that study the 

 scientific and humanist schools find common ground. 



The examination of all influences tending to favour 

 the growth of the more suitable races and better 

 strains of blood, has been called by Sir Francis Galton 

 the science of Eugenics. Alone of our universities, 

 the University of London possesses definite provision 

 for the systematic investigation of the subject. In the 

 Galton Eugenics Laboratory at University College, 

 Professor Karl Pearson and his assistants have made 

 a beginning of the study of mankind from this point 

 of view. 



It is much to be deplored that in neither Oxford 

 nor Cambridge, where a great part of our governing 

 classes are educated, is systematic provision made either 

 for advancing the knowledge of inheritance as regards 

 its bearing on sociology, or teaching the conclusions 

 already reached to those who in the future will have 

 the direction of national affairs. Cambridge has, it is 

 true, a professorship of Biology, which Professor Bate- 

 son holds to the great advantage of genetic science. 

 The scientific study of heredity is provided for. 

 Moreover, in the practical application of Mendelian 

 principles to agricultural science, the work of Pro- 

 fessors Biffen and Wood at the Cambridge University 

 Experimental Farm has marked the opening of a new 

 epoch in agriculture. 



