The New Science — Eugenics or Race Hygiene. 9 



it must pay the utmost attention both to heredity and environ- 

 ment — to neglect either was fatal. Environment was, however, 

 almost always likely to win in the conflict with heredity. The 

 social reformer should not resent the presentation of facts- 

 Although the task before them was a hard one, they must still 

 persevere. With regard to the morality of the question the 

 Eugenists were trying to enlist sympathy for the coming generation 

 which they wanted to enter the world well equipped in the 

 inherent qualities of their minds and bodies so that there should 

 be less suffering than now existed. The lecturer next dealt with 

 the question of segregating the feeble-minded, and said public 

 opinion must be educated on the point. It must not be forgotten 

 that any interference with parental responsibility tended to break 

 up the family as a unit and was to be deprecated since it was the 

 foundation of civilisation. Their efforts should be directed to a 

 campaign of persuasion rather than one of leglislation. The love 

 of luxury was the main reason for the sterility of the upper classes. 

 In conclusion, the lecturer said if there was one sentiment which 

 might be more widely acknowledged and preached it was that 

 the production of the citizens of the future was the noblest task 

 that could be placed on human shoulders. 



On the motion of Mr. J. R. Fisher, Barrister-at-Law, 

 seconded by Professor Gregg Wilson, a very cordial vote of 

 thanks was passed to the lecturer. 



Major Darwin having acknowledged the compliment. 



The proceedings terminated. 



