Hereditary Genius: An Inquiry Into Its Laws and Consequences is a book by Francis Galton about the genetic inheritance of intelligence . It was first published in 1869 by Macmillan Publishers . The first American edition was published by D. Appleton & Company in 1870. It was Galton's first major work written from a hereditarian perspective. It was later referred to as "the first serious study of the inheritance of intelligence" and as "the beginning of scientific interest in the topic of genius ."
12-436: In the book, Galton claimed that the sons of men whom he considered "eminent" in a given profession were more likely to achieve such eminence themselves than if they were not closely related to eminent individuals. He interpreted this pattern as evidence for genetic transmission of human intelligence, without considering the environment. Nicholas W. Gillham stated "He (Galton) dismissed the obvious objection that an eminent father
24-446: A total sum of almost $ 400 million since its inception. Each year, the foundation receives a high number of applications; since its formation it has seen anywhere between 500 and 4,000 applications. Out of these, approximately 175 Fellowships are awarded. The size of each grant varies and the amount and duration of the grant is adjusted based on the individual needs of the recipients, taking into consideration their other resources and
36-786: The John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation , endowed by the late Simon and Olga Hirsh Guggenheim. These awards are bestowed upon individuals who have demonstrated distinguished accomplishment in the past and potential for future achievement. The recipients exhibit outstanding aptitude for prolific scholarship or exceptional talent in the arts. The foundation holds two separate competitions each year: The performing arts are excluded from these fellowships, but composers, film directors, and choreographers are still eligible to apply. While students are not qualified to apply, advanced professionals in mid-career, such as published authors, are encouraged to do so. Upon receipt of
48-568: The genetics of organelles . In 2001, he published the book A Life of Sir Francis Galton: From African Exploration to the Birth of Eugenics , a biography of Francis Galton . A review of this book in Publishers Weekly stated that "[t]his may well prove to be the definitive biography" of Galton. Similarly, Theodore M. Porter reviewed the book favorably, describing it in the journal Isis as "a sound, readable account that will become, for most,
60-625: The Department of Zoology at Duke from 1986 to 1989. He would remain on the faculty at Duke until his retirement in 2002. He was a member of the President's Biomedical Research Panel in 1975 and a member of the National Institute of Health 's study section in genetics from 1976 to 1980, as well as a senior editor of the journal Plasmid from 1977 to 1986. Gillham wrote three technical books during his career: one about microbiology and two about
72-756: The Galton biography of choice." Gillham received a Research Career Development Award from 1972 to 1977 and a Guggenheim Fellowship in 1984. He was also a member of the Genetics Society of America . Gillham married Carol Lenore Collins on June 2, 1956. They had two sons, Robert and Timothy. They remained married until Gillham's death. Gillham died of a heart attack at his home in Fearrington Village, North Carolina , on March 19, 2018. Guggenheim Fellowship Guggenheim Fellowships are grants that have been awarded annually since 1925 ( 1925 ) by
84-483: The grant, Fellows are free to use the funds however they deem fit. The goal of the grant is to provide recipients with dedicated time and freedom to pursue their projects or artistic endeavours, while being relieved of their regular duties. Applicants are required to submit references as well as a CV and portfolio . As of 2023, the Guggenheim Memorial Foundation has funded over 18,000 Fellows with
96-523: The science of human nature ." In general, contemporary scientists in Victorian England reviewed the book favourably, but reception among non-scientific Victorian readers was more mixed: religious commentators were much more critical of the book than were those of neither a scientific nor a religious background. Writing in the Journal of Anthropology , George Harris wrote, "We thank Mr. Galton for leading
108-648: The way. We have canvassed his opinions freely; and, frequently as we differ from him, we must again assert our belief as to the value of his efforts, and the candid manner in which he has conducted his inquiries". Charles Darwin , a cousin of Galton, praised the book, writing in a letter to his cousin, I have only read 50 pages of your book (to Judges), but I must exhale myself, else something will go wrong with my inside. I do not think I ever in all of my life read anything more interesting and original—and how well and clearly you put every point!" Nicholas Gillham Nicholas Wright Gillham (May 14, 1932 – March 19, 2018)
120-420: Was a writer of children's books and the niece of the architect Frank Lloyd Wright . He received his Ph.D. from Harvard University in 1962, and completed his postdoc at Yale University from 1961 to 1963. After serving as an instructor and later as assistant professor at Harvard, Gillham joined the faculty of Duke University in 1968, where he was named James B. Duke Professor in 1982. He served as chair of
132-557: Was an American geneticist who served as the James B. Duke Professor of Biology at Duke University . In addition to his scientific research, he is known for his 2001 biography of Francis Galton , A Life of Sir Francis Galton: From African Exploration to the Birth of Eugenics . Gillham was born on May 14, 1932, in New York City , New York . His father, Robert Marty Gillham, was an advertising executive, and his mother, Elizabeth Enright ,
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#1732851374018144-470: Was more likely to find a suitable position for his son than one less fortunate. That is, environment might be important too." Galton’s controversial theories of intelligence have been influential, shaping the perspective of numerous researchers. Alfred Russel Wallace wrote a favourable review of Hereditary Genius in Nature , concluding that the book "...will take rank as an important and valuable addition to
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