IMPROVING HUMANITY [To the Editor of THE SPECTATOR.'
SIR,—It was a great satisfaction to us to read in your issue of last week the informative article by Professor Crew under the title " Improving Humanity." The points which he raises require emphasis, for the significance of heredity in its intimate relation to the environment is still insufficiently understood. Professor Crew has made clear that every living thing stands forever in the most intimate relation with the environment—a relationship of interaction and of exchange of material.
This makes the work of ascertaining surely anti definitely the signs and symptoms of the inborn constitution a matter of the greatest practical importance here and now. The Clearing-House system is the recognised method for assembling and assorting data and distributing information ; it is effective and economical. The Bureau of Human Heredity is the Clearing-House for the world. We record with satisfaction that leaders in mental training, in medicine and in various forms of social assistance are urging forward the work with insistence. All the major medical Societies are represented on the governing body, together with psychologists and students of population. It has also the support and encouragement of our leading economists.
Information is being freely and generously contributed by research workers in all civilised countries. Indeed, it is a matter of surprise that in a brief eighteen months all the most important research centres for Human Heredity should be united in collaboration with this Clearing-House—a sure sign that it fills. a_ long-felt want.
It is found possible to carry on the Bureau for the modest annual sum of £560. Will those phianthropists who con- tribute so generously to the millions annually expended on Hospitals, Reformatories, Preventive Clinics and the like now come forward and supply the capital sum of L12,000 required as Foundation. It should be remembered that the proper foundation of this one Institution will render incal- culably more effective all other philanthropic endeavours.
The knowledge her: accumulating has indeed a range beyond these philanthropic and remedial activities. The work of the State in education and in the development and maintenance of the normal health of every citizen requires exactly the data for assessing individual constitution which it is our business to supply. At the same time this knowledge must be collected internationally, and as an international organisation the Bureau stands outside those which can claim State support. There is something inspiring in work done freely by world-wide co-operation of those who care for human progress for the good of all, irrespective of politics, colour or creed.
British men of Science have with pride accepted this task entrusted to them by their international colleagues. They look to the British public for the needed financial support. Gifts and promises should reach the Bureau of Human Heredity, 155 Gower Street, London, not later than June 216t, in order that the accomplished foundation may be announced at the International gathering in July.—Yours faithfully,
Previous page
