THE PROBLEM OF THE FUTURE 9 



mation steadily increasing, so that it is growing more and 

 more possible to grasp how the nation is constituted and 

 how it reproduces itself, but many charitable organiza- 

 tions are learning that it is as fundamental to study the 

 recipient as to aid him. Indeed, it will soon be recognized 

 that without this primary study the organization of 

 charity is futile. In this respect I would refer to the 

 excellent work which has been done in Liverpool, Man- 

 chester, Birmingham, and, above all, Edinburgh. At 

 present London stands very much behindhand in the 

 production of statistical material available for sociological 

 studies. London has been made too much the field for 

 the clash of party ; there is too much verbal and semi- 

 political discussion, too many strong individuals with 

 already formed opinions, for charitable organizations to 

 set to and quietly gather data in an unprejudiced manner. 

 Yet that knowledge must be gained before useful work 

 can be done by either state, municipality, or charity. 

 I claim — not for the old sociology with its philosophical 

 and verbal disquisitions — but for the new medico-social 

 data and for the new calculus of correlation, a recognized 

 place in science ; a right to speak in the future with some 

 authority in matters of social reform, and even on points 

 of supreme national welfare. I believe that the day for 

 acting merely on a consensus of opinion based on rhetorical 

 or emotional appeal of a political or philanthropic character 

 is passing by. We have to ascertain the nature of 

 the action and reaction of social factors, before we can 

 form opinion and settle definitely a social policy. You 

 may assert that the employment of women should cease 

 because such employment is associated with a higher child 

 death-rate, but until you have carefully analysed how 

 much is due to the associated alcoholism, how much to 



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