Henry Baird Favill, AB, MD, LL.D., 1860-1916, a ... - University Library

MEDICINE AND PUBLIC HEALTH 379
for desire for present and personal advantage, is
the most
important ethical product of civilization.
For the most part in the past, sociologic effort has been
directed toward rectifying the conditions under which future
generations shall be developed. Thought has been expended
on political construction, economic facility, social
opportunity, and aesthetic development. Environment has
been recognized as a factor of paramount importance in the
struggle for existence and in the possibilities of symmetrical
growth.
Hand in hand, constructive reform and philanthropy
have attacked world problems, increasing in their complexity
with the increase of population. The thought of
mankind is directed with such intensity on these problems
as to ensure in the progress of time a large measure of correction
of the vices which in the past have determined and
perpetuated intolerable conditions.
Change in social understanding and belief in respect to
most conditions within a comparatively few years has been
profound and almost universal. The best product of social
thought is no longer to be confined to this or that focus of
enlightenment. Sporadic and isolated solution of social
difficulties is rapidly to be supplanted by world-wide recognition
of its merit, and rapid adoption. In world affairs
solidarity is already in sight, and the best attainable anywhere
is sure to be prevalent everywhere.
As a natural sequence, the thought of mankind is being
directed at the coordinate term of the proposition. The
burning question becomes, how shall the stock for which
this environment is being created be improved? The problem
presents itself under the concrete term, Eugenics.
As the significance of this question dawns on the intelligence
of man, it assumes stupendous proportions. In the
light of human nature, social structure and spiritual philosophy,
the problem presents infinite perplexity.
Biologic law
is universal. Human manipulation of that law inevitably