In it was recommended the experimental establishment of laboratories in
selected institutions for the study of the physical, psychological,
and social facts of criminal life and nature, such laboratories to be
in charge of experts under the control of superintendents. What is
proposed for prisons and reformatories is a laboratory conducted by a
specialist for the scientific study of prison populations, with special
reference at first to obvious practical needs of the administration in
the discipline and training of prisoners.
The studies would be (1st) Physical: the anatomy and physiology of
prisoners, measurements of sensations, and other mental manipulations,
and the heredity of the prisoners; (2nd) Psychological: the mental,
emotional, and voluntary life; the tastes, ideas, knowledge, motions,
etc.; (3rd) Social: the domestic, industrial, neighborhood, legal,
political, and religious environment and culture.
The committee was continued--directed to gather more information
for next year; also urged to interest the Attorney General of the
United States with the view to establish a laboratory by the National
Government at the Government prison.