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of the race and people in the right way. Race*biology is, in other words, the sci*
entific study of all the factors which exercise influence on the physical and spirit*
ual structure of coming generations. Thus has the Englishman, Francis Galton,
simply and clearly defined this branch of science, of which he himself is really the
founder.»
And further: »Already several years ago, a prominent English investigator,
Professor Thomson, stated when speaking of the significance of race*biology, for
the human race: »We cannot but feel that the application of biological results
is only beginning, and beginning with a tardiness which is a reproach to human
foresight. There can be no doubt, that it would pay the British nation to put
aside a million a year for research on eugenics, or the inprovement of the
human breed.»
The truth of these words is clearly apparent, when one takes into consider*
ation the enormous and incessant increase of expenditure in reference to defective,
abnormal, criminal and anti*social individuals of different kinds, in all civilized
countries.
Seen from this point*of*view, we must look upon the establishment of a Race*
biological Institute as an absolute necessity, a pure and simple act of self*defence
on the part of a country, against its internal enemies.
It is a duty of Government to pay attention to these demands, which have
originated from the most prominent investigators and physicians. They have a
powerful public opinion behind them which cannot be silenced in the end. On
the contrary, they meet with immediate approval in daily increasing circles. The
instinet of self*preservation in a race, tells them that something must soon be done,
to counteract the present degeneration which threatens to get the upper*hand.»
By reason of a Parlamentary resolution, the Government requested investig*
ations, and direct suggestions to be made by the competent authorities as follow:
Uppsala and Lund Universities, »Karolinska Institutet» in Stockholm, the Royal
Medical Board and the University Chancellor. All these authorities testified to
the great significance of Race*bioIogy, and supported the establishment of a Swe*
dish institute for Race*biological investigation (including human heredity research).
The Government gave its support, and brought forward a proposition on the sub*
ject to Parliament in 1921. We can quote some remarks of the Minister of
Education, Dr. B. Bergqvist, which received the Royal sanction, and approval
of the Ministry:
»It is without doubt clear to all, who are awake to certain circumstances at
the present time, that we cannot avoid being anxious for the future of the civili*
zed race. Amongst the many beneficial influences which are at work to improve
and meliorate the conditions of the human race, there obtain regrettable and dan*
gerous factors through which the result of these influences is threatened by under*
mining and annihilation. The struggle between these conflicting currents is not
new, but we at the present time have possibly felt the danger more forcibly of
permitting the destructive forces to execute their work, without any attempt to
counteract them. The meaning of the expression »Culture’s sacrificial nature» stands
out clearer, the more civilization advances. As the welfare of the people as a
whole improves, mortality decreases, and the average length of life is increased etc., a
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