CONGRESS OF GENETICS

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20909, 14 September 1939, Page 14

CONGRESS OF GENETICS

INTRICATE QUESTIONS BRILLIANT MEN’S DULL BROTHERS ROBUST GIRLS, DELICATE SISTERS (Times Air Mail Service.) LONDON, Aug. 23. Have you ever wondered why many brilliant scholars have brothers who are mentally dull, or why strapping girls frequently have delicate sisters? Delegates to the international Congress of Genetic-s, which is meeting at Edinburgh today, provide the answers to these questions, and a good many more besides, in 30 different languages. More than 500 of the world’s most brilliant students of genes (units which determine the standards of life) arc pooling their knowledge at the Conference. Inheritance of talents and physical stature through successive generations is one of the chief topics for debate. The first congress of this type was held in Britain 30 years ago. At first onty plant life was discussed, then animals. Now human beings occupy most of the limelight. “ It is possible to breed magnificent flowers by combining the best of certain species,” the secretary-general of the congress, Professor F. A. E. Crew, told me. “We want now to extend this study and find out how and why brilliance and physical qualities are transmitted from one generation of human beings to another, and why a clever lad often has a brother who is below normal intelligence. ‘‘if we can discover the answers, it might be possible in time to develop a super-human race—who knows? ” Scone for Araument “ The congress, at the Edinburgh Animal Genetics Institute, lasts a week. We talk from 9.15 a.m. to 11.15 p.m. “ Discussion will be animated at times. In fact, I have reserved a number of rooms where groups of conflicting professors may go and have a good argument.” Language is one of the difficulties facing the professors. They all know English, which is essential in the study of genetics, but various Governments, including those of Italy and Germany, have decreed that their professors shall speak only in their native tongues so frequently translations will have to be made—even in arguments. Specimens of agricultural crops whose yield has been increased bv science are on show at the congress". The professors have proved that the yield of wheat can be increased from an average of 32 bushels an acre to 60. The exhibits include a garden of “ super-plants ” cultivated bv Edinburgh scientists during the past six months. Professor Vavilov, pf Russia, who was to have presided at the congress, has stated that he and 50 other Russian scientists are ” unable to attend.” No official reason for their absence has been given.