ABSTRACT
Two controlling factors are present in all life, —heredity and environment, nature and nurture, as expressed by Gal ton. Knowledge is required as well as care, for mistakes made at this time can never be completely corrected. The beginning organism has at this time stamped on it the possibilities of future vigorous life or of early degeneration and decay. This is to a certain extent true all through the period of childhood, from birth to adolescence. Hence a careful study and understanding of all the phases of infancy and childhood are of the greatest importance alike to physicians, parents and society at large. The elemental passions and strivings that find outlet in lawlessness and revolt are a result of an intellectual and emotional instability that are reversions to the childhood of the race. Many foolish and inadequate theories are advanced, but eventually it must come through the child.
