70 A SWEDISH FARMER'S LINEAGE 



So much however we learn from these groupings, that the original constitu* 

 tion, such at it has developed during a hundred or thousand years, is of great 

 significance. That inauspicious racial blending in former times, is of signification, 

 as before mentioned. Relationship marriages have a very injurious effect in just 

 the family in question, thats is to say, hidden (recessive) propensities appear. 

 Such is not the case in families enjoying favourable constitutions (genotype). 

 Relationship marriages on the other hand, in such families have a beneficial effect. 

 Scientific investigators now agree that consanguinity has both the good and 

 bad effects named. 



Marriages with relations can be described in other words as a two»edged sword, 

 in one case being beneficial, in the other injurious, depending upon the different 

 nature of the families. 



The conclusion arrived at regarding one family, cannot be correct for the other. 



One must be careful not to generalize ones experience, for life is more com* 

 plicated than we generally believe it to be. 



Another reason for the collapse in the Blekinge family is the abuse of alcohol. 

 We are yet unfortunately, very ignorant as regards the part which alcohol plays 

 in damaging the so called germ^plasm. 



»Culture» nations would certainly be wise in doing their utmost to solve 

 questions of this kind. It will be a very important mission for race*biological 

 institutions, which should be organized in all countries. Their investigations 

 should be carried out with the greatest thoroughness, and they demand much 

 material, which would claim much time and expense. We cannot, by any means, 

 be satisfied with the knowledge we at present possess. The weal and wol of 

 future generations, depend in many respects, upon what we do or omit to do. 



