288 Heredity and Eugenics 



stand for the single male sex chromosome, which, by hypothe- 

 sis, lacks the color distinguishing factor. Let the white 

 disk iW) symbolize the absence of a chromosome in a germ 

 cell. Let the black disks [B) represent the two female 

 sex chromosomes with the factor of color-sight. Then the 

 union oi S-\-B gives the female sex and has the determiner 

 for color, albeit simplex. The union W-\-B gives the male 

 sex and also has the determiner for color-sight. Hence 

 ^ neither sons nor daughters of a color- 



^ blind man are color-blind. If the son 



^^ W fl marry a normal woman, it is clear 



w Q ^ that (since no 5 comes into the union) 



the children are normal. But if the 

 Fio. 98.--Diagram iiius- daughters marry, half of the males 



trating method of inherit- ° -^ 



ing sex-limited charaeters. will rcccive the single 5 chromosomc 



The circles represent sex ^nd SUch wiU be Color-blind. ThuS 

 chromosomes. , , . , , 



the long famous knight s move form 

 of heredity of color-blindness is explained. Several other 

 traits are inherited in the same way: bleeding, imperfect 

 development of the iris, and atrophy of the optic nerve. 

 In all these cases unaffected males may marry with impun- 

 ity; but females of the strain who have affected brothers 

 should not have children. 



The foregoing considerations bring clearly to mind the 

 great advance that has been made in recent years in the 

 analysis of the inheritance of traits. \t last it is possible 

 to give definite advice to those about to marry, or who do 

 not wish to transmit their undesirable traits. Of the 

 method of inheritance of many traits we are still in ignor- 

 ance. In the absence of detailed knowledge, the best gen- 

 eral ad\'ice that can be given is this; marry dissimilars. 

 Weakness in any trait should marry strength in that trait; 

 and strength may marry weakness. 



