Page:American Journal of Sociology Volume 6.djvu/332

318 But in the United States we have the greatest variety of race types, all of them affected by the peculiar conditions of American industry, climate, and political institutions. The data furnished from Europe cannot apply in all respects under the entirely different conditions of our country. We must make our own investigations with our own material.

What is proposed? We recommend a laboratory, furnished with the best modern instruments of precision, conducted by a specialist or trained observer, for the scientific study of prison populations, with special reference to obvious practical needs of the administration in the discipline, instruction, and training of prisoners. These studies would be: Physical: the anatomy and physiology of prisoners; measurements of sensation and other manifestations of mind through the body; and the hereditary factors. Psychical: the mental, emotional, voluntary life-activities; the tastes, ideas, knowledge, motives. Social: the domestic, industrial, neighborhood, legal, political, and religious environment which have influenced the character and conduct. We know that all these factors enter into every life and help to shape it, and that no one of them taken alone is sufficient for an explanation.

Conclusions: This kind of investigation is entirely practicable, from whatever point of view we regard it. Competent investigators can be found or trained. The cost is moderate. In many instances the board of managers of institutions can make the appointment out of funds already under their control for educational work. It is useful for discipline; for the direction of aid to discharged prisoners; for the enlightenment of legislatures, courts, and authorities in criminal law and procedure. It promises to make important contributions to the various sciences of human life: to anatomy, physiology, anthropology, psychology, sociology. The prisons would thus be brought into contact with the great life of universities, and would contribute to the best forms of intellectual wealth. This would not be at the cost of pain, and would assist millions of convicts throughout the world. For the achievements of experimental science, built on real exploration rather than on mere speculation, are the possessions of mankind, and are not confined to a class or a country.

If this recommendation meets with the favor of this influential association, it may be proper to agree upon suitable means for carrying it into effect.

A permanent committee might be formed for the accumulation of information on the subject, reaching the details and specific kinds of desirable data for judgment and action. This information would be at the service of all members of the association.