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23
Annual Report of the Medical Officer of Health—1876—7.
Drink, crime, pauperism, disease, insanity. levy large and unceasing contributions.
???ce people thus characterised are a disgrace and weakness to the land in which they
and point out long and profound neglect. We neither think nor act as if we recognised
???ower which one generation possesses over that which is to follow. We may liken it
that influence which the parent exercises over the child. Whether that child shall
??? a sound mind in a healthy body, and so bo enabled to enjoy all the good which his
???undings may afford him, and to perform all the duties which may be required from
will mainly depend upon the parent. This power, which we thus possess is immense,
involves proportionate responsibility. How far reaching the former, and how grave
???matter, wo may not readily grasp. However, this feeling of responsibility is becoming
manifest and acknowledged in the age in which we live, than it has been in any age
has preceded it, and wo may confidently believe that it will become more and more so.
although we are "the ancients of the earth," wo yet but "stand in the morning of
???imes."
HENRY BATESON, M.D., Lond.
ty lrf, 1877.