The term Eugenics literally meaning ‘true birth’ or good origin was first coined by sir Francis Galton (1822 – 1911) who opined that man is also subject to same evolutionary forces like other organisms and the human race could be improved both in terms of physical and mental abilities.
He defined Eugenics as “the study of agencies under social control that may improve or impair the racial qualities of future generations either physically or mentally’. In other words eugenics is the application of the laws of genetics for the improvement of human race.
The idea of genetic improvement of Human race is quite old, though its scientific study is fairly recent.
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Many ancient, Chinese and Indian writings contain references (mainly imagined) to produce races of good, quality either to work as slaves or as soldiers.
Ancient philosopher Plato opined that, the liberty to live and eat is the right of only those who distinguish themselves in some field of human Endeavour.
The ancient Greeks had definite ideas regarding Eugenics. In Sparta importance was given to the physical attributes, while the Athenians cared more for intellectual abilities.
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The scientific studies of Galton, Pearson etc., revealed that a large number of human traits both good as well as bad are hereditary.
As a result of their study, they argued that persons with serious hereditary diseases should not produce any children.
In fact, in many countries, a sterilization law is in force to prevent persons with serious health hazards from begetting any children.