Eugenical Sterilization—A Reorientation of the Problem: By The Committee of the American Neurological Association for the Investigation of Eugenical Sterilization. Abraham Myerson, M.D., James B. Ayer, M.D., Tracy J. Putnam, M.D., Clyde E. Keeler, Sc.D., and Leo Alexander, M.D. New York: The Macmillan Company, 1936. 212 pp.

This is an excellent study of the problem of eugenical sterilization. The existing laws concerning sterilization are reviewed. The data in this chapter indicate that, in the main, the American and the Canadian laws are not being enforced—with the exception of a few states, notably California. The small number of persons sterilized for eugenic reasons will result in no great social or biologic change. Furthermore,

the laws in most states apply only to persons in state hospitals and there is no very clear definition of the types of mental disease the law is intended to cover. Other chapters consider the main arguments for sterilization; the points of view regarding sterilization; genetics and its relation to eugenics; studies on the inheritance of mental and chronic progressive neurological diseases. Additional chapters are devoted to the problem of crime, or of criminal tendencies, and to genius as eugenical problems. A final chapter contains the detailed recommendations of the Committee.

It becomes apparent from this study that most of the legislation which has been thus far enacted is based more on a desire to elevate the human race—than upon proved factual data. The authors believe that the knowledge of human genetics is not yet sufficiently precise to warrant the sterilization of people who themselves are normal—in order to prevent, in their descendants, the appearance of manic-depressive psychoses, schizophrenia, epilepsy, feeble-mindedness, or criminal conduct. They especially stress the fact that there is at present no sound scientific support to warrant sterilization because of immorality or character defect. They wisely emphasize that germplasm and environment cannot truly be considered as separate agencies. Both contribute to the production of personality structure and character formation.

The authors recommend that "any law concerning sterilization passed in the United States under the present state of our knowledge should be voluntary and regul