io8 THE KALLIKAK FAMILY 



sometimes incorrectly referred to as asexualization. 

 It is more properly spoken of as sterilization, the dis- 

 tinction being that it does not have any effect on the 

 sex qualities of the man or woman, but does artificially 

 take away the power of procreation by rendering the 

 person sterile. The operation itself is almost as simple 

 in males as having a tooth pulled. In females it is not 

 much more serious. The results are generally perma- 

 nent and sure. Objection is urged that we do not know 

 the consequences of this action upon the physical, men- 

 tal, and moral nature of the individual. The claim is 

 made that it is good in all of these. But it must be 

 confessed that we are as yet ignorant of actual facts. 

 It has been tried in many cases ; no bad results have 

 been reported, while many good results have been 

 claimed. 



A more serious objection to this last method comes 

 from a consideration of the social consequences. What 

 will be the effect upon the community in the spread of 

 debauchery and disease through having within it a 

 group of people who are thus free to gratify their in- 

 stincts without fear of consequences in the form of 

 children ? The indications are that here also the evil 

 consequences are more imaginary than real, since the 

 feeble-minded seldom exercise restraint in any case. 



