In some future time, dependent on circumstances, I look forward to a
suitable authority issuing Eugenic certificates to candidates for them.
They would imply a more than an average share of the several qualities
of at least goodness of constitution, of physique, and of mental
capacity. Examinations upon which such certificates might be granted are
already carried on, but separately; some by the medical advisers of
insurance offices, some by medical men as to physical fitness for the
army, navy and Indian services, and others in the ordinary scholastic
examinations. Supposing constitution, physique and intellect to be three
independent variables (which they are not), the men who rank among the
upper third of each group would form only one twenty-seventh part of the
population. Even allowing largely for the correlation of those
qualities, it follows that a moderate severity of selection in each of a
few particulars would lead to a severe all-round selection. It is not
necessary to pursue this further.
* * * * *
The above brief memorandum does not profess to deal with more than the
pressing problems in Eugenics. As that science becomes better known, and
the bases on which it rests are more soundly established, new problems
will arise, especially such as relate to its practical application. All
this must bide its time; there is no good reason to anticipate it now.
Of course useful suggestions in the present embryonic condition of
Eugenic study would be timely, and might prove very helpful to students.