Hereditary genius : an inquiry into its laws and consequences
Dublin Core
Title
Hereditary genius : an inquiry into its laws and consequences
Subject
Galton, Francis, 1822-1911
Eugenics
Excerpts
Rare books
Description
Francis Galton, influenced by the work of Charles Darwin, came to believe that, following research into the biographies and genealogies of 400 famous individuals—judges, statesmen, poets, painters, scientists and athletes—genius was hereditary. He then proceeds to speculate about the comparative worth and abilities of different races and nations: “A native chief has as good an education in the art of ruling men, as can be desired; he is continually exercised in personal government, and usually maintains his place by the ascendancy of his character…. A traveller in wild countries also fills, to a certain degree, the position of a commander, and has to confront native chiefs at every inhabited place. The result is familiar enough—the white traveller almost invariably holds his own in their presence. It is seldom that we hear of a white traveller meeting with a black chief whom he feels to be the better man.”
This is a first edition of Galton’s influential study of the subject which proved to be a cornerstone in the beginnings of the eugenics movement.
Abstract
Two page excerpt from Sir Francis Galton's Herediatry genius: an inquiry into the laws and consequences which discusses race
Creator
Galton, Francis, 1822-1911
Publisher
Macmillan and Co.
Date Created
1869
Rights
The Boston Medical Library does not hold copyright on all materials in this collection. For use information, consult Public Services at chm@hms.harvard.edu
Access Rights
Access to the original work depicted requires advance notice. Contact Public Services at chm@hms.harvard.edu for additional information
Is Part Of
Boston Medical Library Rare Books Collection (2.Am.44)
References
Full text available online here through the Medical Heritage Library
Format
text
Extent
excerpt (2 pages)
Language
English
Type
text
Identifier
0002096
Provenance
Purchased for the Boston Medical Library, 1957
Files
Collection
Citation
Galton, Francis, 1822-1911
, “Hereditary genius : an inquiry into its laws and consequences,” OnView, accessed May 10, 2024, https://collections.countway.harvard.edu/onview/index.php/items/show/6205.