Race hygiene and heredity 1924

Front matter

EN IR,

Er oh Bees re ER

3 4 a i aq 4

Preface To The English Translation

On account of the growing interest in eugenics, and in the science of heredity as applied to the promotion of human welfare, it has seemed to me worth while to translate into English this little volume by Dr. H. W. Siemens of Munich. It contains, in compact form, a clear presentation of the fundamental facts of the subjects dealt with.

It is expected by the translator that Dr. Siemens’ book will arouse as lively interest in Englishspeaking countries as it has done in countries in which the German and Swedish languages are spoken. Though the hereditary human stocks and the social conditions in Germany differ in many respects from those in other countries, the eugenic proposals made for the German people can scarcely fail to be of interest to the peoples of other lands. In America, especially, where the population is made up of a great variety of racial stocks, education in race hygiene would seem to be of unusual importance.

LEWELLYs F. BARKER

Preface To The Original Edition

Following the examples of chemistry and physics in the preceding century, general biology also, in the form of experimental studies of heredity, has, during the past few decades, developed into an exact science. On account of the fundamental significance of this science for the life of peoples and of states, general biology must from now on be considered as an indispensable foundation of general culture. But, as yet, this youngest member of the family of the exact natural sciences has not gained admission to the schools. It is all the more important, therefore, that every one should through personal effort make himself acquainted with its fundamental principles.

During the course of the past few years, a certain acquaintance with the foundations of general biology has become necessary, particularly for those who are active in political life or interested

Vii viii PREFACE TO THE ORIGINAL EDITION in political subjects. For race hygiene, which represents an important political program over and above all party ties, is founded upon a firm basis through more recent advances in biological knowledge. Because of the increasing significance that attaches to the “will to race hygiene’ in our political life, a brief introduction to the biological foundations of race hygiene should prove welcome to many.

At the beginning of 1918, a translation into Swedish, prepared by Robert Larsson, was published by Gleerups of London, under the title, Rashygienens Biologiska Grundvalar.

It is the hope of the author that this little book may further the general understanding of the principles of heredity and thus convey to wider circles a sober view of the tasks and aims of race hygiene.

HERMANN W. SIEMENS

Contents

PREFACE TO THE ENGLISH TRANSLATION . . PREFACE TO THE ORIGINAL EDITION . . . I Ee an. in 2. INHERITANCE I (FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES)

3. INHERITANCE II (More CoMPLEX PHENOMee

4. INHERITANCE Ill (CELL InvesticaTion; SEX DETERMINATION) ANGER