OUTLINE OF A STUDY OF THE SELF 



2. A Record of Family Traits 



The start on this task may be made by filling out as completely as is possible 

 the accompanying blank " record of family traits." ^ 



Avail yourself of all reasonably accessible aid in this task, from your parents, 

 other relatives, friends of the family, and from family, state, or other records. 

 Do your work thoroughly, so that you may have a permanently valuable record 

 of your ancestry for yourself and your children. 



(a) Physical, or bodily, traits. Partly by way of summarizing, but still more 

 in order to supplement the " record of family traits " already made, prepare a 

 list of the physical characteristics of your parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts, 

 and first cousins. Consider abnormalities, or peculiarities, unusual degrees of 

 development, effects of use or disuse, as well as those traits which would ordi- 

 narily be included in " physical constitution." 



Are there any prevalent abnormalities of body, or diseases in the family ? 

 To what have they generally been attributed ? Are the members of the family 

 long lived ? What, in your judgment, are the chief causes for this ? 



(b) Mental traits. Similarly, make a list of the mental traits that seem to 

 be characteristic of the family. 



Are any mental diseases prevalent ? What mental traits do you deem of 

 most conspicuous value in your near kin ? What traits do you deem most 

 nndesirable among those characteristic of your family ? In what occupations 

 have members of your family engaged ? In what numbers ? What can you 

 say concerning special intellectual bents or talents ? 



^ The Eugenics Record Office will appreciate it if after completing this task you are willing to file a 

 duplicate blank in the Office for scientific purposes. 



