Abstract
NATURAL mental tests are defined, in a pamphlet recently received, by Mr. Arthur MacDonald, of Washington, as “studies of man which have for their object an estimate of him with reference to his reputation, education, and culture, and also with regard to the things he has done, the results he has accomplished …, in short, his mental products.” Thus a study of the occurrence in a group or community of men of genius or talent, those who are noted for literary, scientific, or any other educational achievement, forms a test of the mentality of that group. Such a series of natural tests is of considerable anthropological significance. By means of them we compare the effects of various conditions and environments upon the mental status of the average man, who is the representative of the community. Mr. MacDonald has brought together the data from a number of studies of man's mentality which, though not designed for that purpose, form such a series.
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VERNON, M. Natural Mental Tests. Nature 116, 591–592 (1925). https://doi.org/10.1038/116591b0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/116591b0