TRAITS THAT ARE INHERITED 401 



Traits that are Inherited. — Many other similar cases might be 

 cited. Although we do not know the precise method of inherit- 

 ance, we do know that musical and literary ability, calculating 

 ability, remarkable memory, mechanical skill, and many other 

 mental and physical characters are inheritable and '^ run in fami- 

 lies." The Wedge wood family, from which three generations of 

 Darwins have descended, and the Galton family are examples of 

 a scientific inheritance ; the Arnolds, Hallams, and Lowells were, 

 prominent in literature ; the Balf ours were political leaders ; the 



[i]t# HtO 



A record of good inheritance. Black squares represent men of artistic ability ; 

 black circles, women of artistic ability. (After Davenport.) 



Bach and Mendelssohn familes were examples showing inheritance 

 of musical genius. A comparison of fathers' and sons' college 

 records at Oxtord University show it is usually " like father, like 

 son " as regards grades. The fathers who did well had sons who 

 did well also. It is said that 26 out of 46 men chosen to the Hall 

 of Fame of New York University had distinguished relatives. 

 Blood does tell ! 



How to use Our Knowledge of Heredity. — Two applications of 

 this knowledge of heredity stand out for us as high school students. 

 One is in the choice of a mate, the other in the choice of a vocation. 

 As to the first, no better advice can be given than the old adage, 

 " Look before you leap." If this advice were followed, there 

 would be fewer unhappy marriages and divorces. Remember that 

 marriage should mean love, respect, and companionship for life. 

 The heredity of a husband or a wife counts for much in making 

 this possible. And, even though you are in high school, it is 

 only fair to yourselves that you should remember the responsibility 

 that marriage brings. You should be parents. Will you choose 

 to have children well born ? Or will you send them into the world 

 with an inheritance that will handicap them for life ? 



