Heredity and the Social Problem Group

Abstract

THE book before us is based on an extremely painstaking study of persons receiving assist ance from the Poor Law authorities in an area of East London, and their relatives. The results are embodied in twenty-six pedigrees, some of which contain several hundred individuals. They are classified according to the amount, if any, of assistance received from the rates, and also on a basis of physical and mental defects and of criminality. The investigation has been going on since 1913, and the author must be congratulated on his industry. A second volume is promised, dealing with a control group, and drawing con clusions. It may be hoped that this volume will include a statement of the criteria employed in assessing mental defect, and also as to the pro portion of the whole pauper population which is included in these records. Unless this proportion is quite high, it is obvious that false conclusions may be drawn from the selection of the material.

Heredity and the Social Problem Group.

By E. J. Lidbetter. Vol. 1. Pp. 160 + 26 plates. (London: Edward Arnold and Co., 1933.) 21s. net.