ID# 499:
"The system of indexing traits used at Eugenics Records Office"
Date:
Circa 1912
Pages: (1|2|3)
Source:
American Philosophical Society, Dav, B:D27,Ser 2,CSH-ERO

499. bearing surname and trait on the subject line always gives the locality with the reference, or a card giving locality and surname at the top has the trait entered with the reference, and one giving locality and trait always records the surname with the reference. Each card has spaces for forty references to the location of the pedigrees and descriptions referred to. References: In indexing the material sent in by the Field Workers, reference is made to the number of the worker (each Field Worker is assigned a number on the records of the office) and to the page number of the material (which is numbered consecutively as it is received from the field.) References to data contained in letters, manuscripts, books, pamphlets and clipping are similarly made. Thus, data in books are referred to by title, author and page, abbreviated as much as possible; in letters to initials of writer and date of receipt; clippings to the page number of the scrap-book and so on. A sample set of the cards is herewith appended. It is desirable that indexing clerks acquire a rapid printing hand and make all entries in printed letter. The purpose of this scheme of indexing is to give the investigator: (a) the location of all the material to the office bearing upon any trait, taking into consideration (1) only the trait or (2) the trait in a given family, or (3) the trait in a given locality; (B) the location of all material concerned with a surname - (1) considered by itself, or (2) the surname in a given locality, or (3) the surname associated with a specific trait; (C) the location of all material concerned with any selected locality - (1) considered by itself or (2) this locality associated with surnames, or (3) the lo-
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