y of the subject
renders it the one of all others in which self-instruction is least likely
to succeed."

It must be our highest educational aim to cultivate or create the eugenic
sense. In this way, and in this way only, may we feel satisfied that the
foundation, upon which shall be erected the generations that are yet to
come, will be of an enduring character.

* * * * *

[37]
CHAPTER IV

"It is only because we are accustomed to this waste of life and are
prone to think it is one of the dispensations of Providence that we go
on about our business, little thinking of the preventive measures that
are possible."

CHARLES E. HUGHES.

EUGENICS AND THE UNFIT

THE DEAF AND DUMB--THE FEEBLE-MINDED--A NEW YORK MAGISTRATE'S
REPORT--REPORT OF THE CHILDREN'S SOCIETY--THE SEGREGATION AND TREATMENT
OF THE FEEBLE-MINDED--WHAT THE CARE OF THE INSANE COSTS--THE
ALCOHOLIC--DRUNKENNESS.

In order to achieve success in eugenics we must strive to encourage the
parenthood of the worthy or fit, and to discourage the parenthood of the
unworthy or unfit. The unfit are those, as previously explained, who,
because of mental or physical disability, are unable to create fit or
healthy children.

THE DEAF AND DUMB.--The condition known as deaf-mutism is due to innate
defect in about half of all cases. Deaf children have one or two deaf
parents or grandparents. There may be two or three such children in a
family. That the deaf should not marry is generally conceded by those who
work amongst them. It should be our aim to discourage the intimate
association of the adolescent deaf and dumb in institutions. It has been
found that such intimate association frequently results in marriage. They
should be educated and instructed in the knowledge that they cannot marry.
When they understand the eugenic principle upon which this social law is
constructed they will be amenable to reason. No process of suasion will be
necessary, however, if their intimate association is prevented.

THE FEEBLE-MINDED.--This includes the criminal, the imbecile, the insane,
and the epileptic. The feeble-minded, technically speaking, belong to the
degenerate class. They enter life mentally deficient, not necessarily [38]
diseased. They should, therefore, be regarded as fit subjects for
educational modification rather than for pen