Page:American Journal of Sociology Volume 11.djvu/293

 NOTES AND ABSTRACTS

FRANCIS GALTON ON EUGENICS DISCUSSION IN THE SOCIOLOGICAL SOCIETY, LONDON 1

DR. HADDON 2 said : We have been greatly favored this afternoon in listening to one who has devoted his life to science and has just presented us, in so able a paper, with the conclusions of his mature age. Future generations will hold the name of Dr. Galton in high reverence for the work he has done in so firmly establishing the theory of evolution, and I consider that we have listened to a memorable paper, which will mark a definite stage in the history of the subject with which Dr. Galton's name will remain imperishably asso- ciated. It is refreshing, if Dr. Galton will allow me to say so, to find a man of his years formulating such a progressive policy ; for this is generally sup- posed to be a characteristic of younger men : but he has done so because all his life he has been studying evolution. He has seen what evolution has accomplished among the lower animals ; he has seen what man can do to improve strains of animals and plants by means of careful selection ; and he foresees what man may do in the future to improve his own species by more careful selection. It is possible for people to change their customs, ideas, and ideals. We are always accustomed to regard the savages as conservative, and so they are ; but, as a matter of fact, savages do change their views. In Australia we find that different tribes have different marriage customs and different social regulations, and it will be generally found that the change in marriage custom or social control is nearly always due to betterment in their physical conditions. The tribes which, as some of us believe, have the more primitive marital arrangements, are those which live in the least favored countries ; and the tribes which have adopted father-right are those which live under more favorable conditions. In Melenesia, Africa, and in India social customs vary a very great deal, and this proves that even their marriage cus- toms are not in any way hide-bound, and that social evolution is taking place. When circumstances demand a change, then a change takes place, perhaps more or less automatically, being due to a sort of natural selection. There are thinking people among savages, and we have evidence that they do consider and discuss social customs, and even definitely modify them ; but, on the whole, there appears to be a general trend of social factors that cause this evolution. There is no reason why social evolution should continue to take place among ourselves in a blind sort of way ; for we are intelligent creatures, and we ought to use rational means to direct our own evolution. Further, with the resources of modern civilization, we are in a favorable position to accelerate this evolution. The world is gradually becoming self-conscious, and I think Dr. Galton has made a very strong plea for a determined effort to attempt a conscious evolution of the race.

DR. MOTT * said : I have to say that I think it is of very great importance to the nation to consider this subject of eugenics very seriously. Being engaged as pathologist to the London County Council Asylums, I see the effect of heredity markedly on the people admitted into the asylums. The improve-

'This Journal, Vol. XI, p. n.

2 F.R.S. ; lecturer on anthropology, Cambridge University ; ex-president of the Anthropological Institute.

3 F.R.S. ; Croonian lecturer, etc. ; pathologist to the London County Coun- cil Asylums, etc.

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