48o ZOOLOGY 



more rapidly than those which seem to be above the average. 

 There is no possible way to figure out, on this basis, a human 

 species of increasing vigor. 



What can we do consciously to overcome these partly bio- 

 logical and partly social and economic threats against our 

 species? The following would seem to be among our best 

 chances. 



1 . To study the chemical and physiological basis of behavior, 

 character and heredity in order to discover, if possible, chemical 

 or other artificial means to check the internal changes of germ 

 plasm which must lie back of any decay of the stock. ' 



2. By preventing reproduction on the part of definitely 

 inadequate strains, and encouraging it on the part of the more 

 promising. 



3 . By limiting population to the point at which the renewable 

 resources of the earth will give opportunity for full development 

 to all those born. 



4. By checking the use of unrenewable resources basic to the 

 production of actual necessities for the sound evolution of the 

 species, and by prohibiting their use in the making of those 

 luxuries which more often injure than improve the race. 



5. By exercising a rigorously scientific control over the pro- 

 duction and distribution of the materials necessary for human 

 welfare. This means the scientific budgeting of the material 

 aspects of human needs, ■ support, and progress instead of 

 leaving these things to the cross-currents of ignorance, custom, 

 greed, speculation, and selfish competition for private profits. 



6. By reorganizing the artificial social, economic, and 

 .political structure in such a way that the premiums will actually 

 be put on individual activity in contributing to social coopera- 

 tion and progress rather than upon competition, ruthlessness 

 and dishonesty. 



7. By a conscious and thoroughgoing education of the 

 young into this rational and cooperative spirit, and in the 

 application of science to human, problems, rather than in the 

 attitude of selfish competition and exploitation, as at present. 



478. Topics for the Library. — i. Study the effects of tropical 

 conditions on the human race, as judged by the races of men now 



