University of London [stamped left side] Francis Galton Laboratory of National Eugenics. University College, Gower Street, W.C. May 15th 1907. Dear Madam, The above laboratory is at present engaged in collecting data with regard to the Hereditary Transmission of Disease, and the influence of certain diseases on the temperament, ability and success of the individuals affected. The enquiry based upon the material obtained will be purely statistical. We should be most grateful if you could aid us in increasing the collection which needs to be of a most comprehensive character. The Laboratory has already received family records from a variety of medical sources, thus some 400 cases of tuberculous stocks, 400 of insane stocks, many cases of normal families, and nearly 1,000 cases with family history of mentally defective children have been sent to us. A recent appeal on the part of two psychological investigators in Holland to the Dutch medical profession led to the receipt of nearly 800 family records, and we believe that English medical men will not be behindhand in a like matter. It is needless to emphasise[sic] the importance from the purely medical standpoint of an accurate statistical knowledge as to hereditary influences. I have accordingly ventured to enclose two schedules for your consideration, and would draw your attention to the following points about them: (i) No names are required, except of the recorder; the "subject" may be indicated by either a number of by letters. (ii) The schedul entitled:[underscored type]Hereditary Transmission of Disease and Temperament[end underscored type] is intended in the main for the intelligent layman. Considerable numbers of these have already been filled in by their being placed by medical attendants in the hands of patients or friends interested in family-history. It is not supposed that in any particular case the entire schedule can be filled up, as much as is known or can be easily ascertained is sought. What is needed is perfect frankness with regard to what is known, and such frankness is rendered possible when no names are required. When no name is given the schedule should be returned by the member of the medical profession through whom it is received. These schedules are intended for all types of families, healthy and diseased. [end]