The Social Direction of Evolution: The Biological Science of Eugenics and the Nature of Human Heredity

In this book William E. Kellicott explains what eugenics is, and the changes its practice aims to achieve in human society. This edition includes the original charts and illustrations. Written to present a clear and concise overview for the benefit of the public, Kellicott's summation of eugenics outlines the reasons why it should be implemented in society. Its central purpose, to promote good qualities and characteristics in humans by selective breeding, is detailed. Kellicott identifies the biological foundations of eugenics, and floats ideas as to how it might be carried out. While the concept of eugenics has existed since antiquity, there was a resurgence of interest in the late 19th century. Then-recent discoveries in evolutionary theory and genetic science were considered to have legitimized eugenics as both socially and scientifically sound; consequently, influential voices in society and academia openly favored its practice on a wide scale.