If the annihilation of all past civilizations was due to the refusal of its members to breed for posterity, may we not reasonably assume that we have, according to our statistics, reached the same crisis? If this is logical reasoning, and every factor warrants this conclusion, have we not reached the time when the perpetuation of the race is the most serious question of our times? Is it not a problem for the enthusiastic and immediate [xxx] support of every statesman, politician, teacher, and preacher alike? Can any question be of more importance? What will our marvelous material splendor avail if the race is destined to immediate extinction? We need the assistance of every intelligent citizen, we need most, the awakening impulse of the mothers of the race. We who are alive are responsible for environment and nurture, and we must believe that the purpose to be achieved is of supreme importance. Every mother, through the power of knowledge, may become a practical eugenist. It is to aid her in an intelligent appreciation of the practical intent of the science that this work is presented. W. GRANT HAGUE, M.D. New York City. * * * * * [1] THE EUGENIC MARRIAGE CHAPTER I "Nations are gathered out of nurseries." CHARLES KINGSLEY. "To be a good animal is the first requisite to success in life, and to be a nation of good animals is the first condition of national prosperity." HERBERT SPENCER. CONDITIONS WHICH HAVE EVOLVED THE SCIENCE OF EUGENICS INFANT MORTALITY--MARRIAGE AND MOTHERHOOD--HEREDITY--ENVIRONMENT--EDUCATION--DISEASE AND VICE--HISTORY--SUMMARY. There has been evinced during recent years a desire to know something more definite about the science of eugenics. Eugenics, simply defined, means "better babies." It is the art of being well born. It implies consideration of everything that has to do with the well-being of the race: motherhood, marriage, heredity, environment, disease, hygiene, sanitation, vice, education, culture,--in short, everything upon which the health of the people depends. If we contribute the maximum of health to those living, it is reasonable to assume that the future generation will profit thereby, and "better babies" will be a direct consequence. We are frequently told that we must take the world as we find it. This has been aptly termed, "the motto of the impotent and cowardly." "Life is what we make it," is the more satisfying assertion of the optimist, and most [2] of us seem to be trying to make existence more tolerable and more happy. It is encouraging to know that intelligent men and women to-day seek an opportunity to devote serious consideration to the betterment of the race, while yet the pursuit of wealth and pleasure are enticing and strenuous occupations.