\ 



I90 EMINENT FAMILIES. 



erations of late reproduction may support one generation of com- 

 paratively early reproduction, but that two generations of early 

 reproduction are fatal to the maintenance of eminence. That two 

 generations of late reproduction will not always accomplish this 

 result we can readily see by studying some of the sons of great 

 men. 



GREAT MEN AND THEIR SONS. 



Solomon, commonly called "the wisest man," was a late repro- 

 duction and inherited his ability from his father, David, who was 

 also a late reproduction. According to the usual interpretation of 

 the laws of inheritance, his son should also have been a wise man, 

 but we do not hear that Rehoboam was a second Solomon. An 

 inspection of the Bible chronology shows us that Rehoboam was 

 born when Solomon was seventeen years of age. Rehoboam could 

 not be the recipient of use-inheritance from Solomon, because at 

 that age Solomon had not exercised his wisdom, and whatever 

 Solomon acquired after his son was conceived could not possibly 

 affect that son. 



We learn that Buddha was a late reproduction, and also that 

 his only son was born before he went forth on his mission. After 

 leaving home he spent six years in one place, unknown lengths of 

 time in two or three other places, and forty-five additional years in 

 teaching. He died at about the age of eighty. From this it is 

 quite evident that the son was born when Buddha was quite young. 



BIRTH-RANKS OF GREAT MEN AND OF THEIR SONS. 

 GREAT MEN. SONS. 



Ampere 25 



A Arkwright 23 



49 Bulwer-Lytton 25 



Champollion 22 



