RESEMBLANCE. OF COUSINS.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIX, Issue 141, 13 June 1908, Page 13

RESEMBLANCE. OF COUSINS.

Although much work has been published bearing on the degree of resemblance between relatives in the direct Hue, few — ia, says the "British Medical Journal." are available with respect to collaterals higher than the first decree. Miss Etnel Elderton and Professor Pearson have recently investigated the Intensity of resemblance between first cousiua lv respect of health. Intelligence, success, temper, and certain measurable characters (width of hand, width of wrist, etc.).

In all eases positive significant values were obtained approximating to thoso found to obtain for the resemblance Detween aunts and nieces or uncles and uuj'Uews for eye colour; and only slightly less i nan the co-efficients of grandparental inUerltanee at present determined, Positive results were also found, with one doul-.t-ful exception, for the occurrence of insanity and tuberculosis ill cousins.

The following conclusions appear justified: — "The grandparent, the uncle, or aunt, and the cousin are practically on the same footing with regard to relationship or intensity of kinship as measured by degree of likeness of character; and it seems probable that any scientific marriage enactments would equally allow o>. equally forbid marriage between grandparent ana grandchild, uncle and niece, aunt and nephew, and between first cousins.'"

It would also seem that in taking family histories for medical purposes, details regarding the first cousins are just as important as information respecting the patient's uncles and aunts.