Exhibit on "White Indians" of Panama, 1932.
Scope and Contents
Harry H. Laughlin's professional files from the Eugenics Record Office, 1910-1939. These files contain institutional correspondence, memoranda, and reports; general correspondence; correspondence and printed materials related to the eugenical organizations to which Laughlin belonged; working manuscripts; notes; miscellaneous collected printed materials; some photographs; and glass lantern slides which were used for presentations. Laughlin, as one of the leaders in the eugenics movement, was interested in every aspect of genetics, genetics research and the furthering the eugenical cause. The collection reflects Laughlin's very strong interests in the identification of the "socially inadequate," genetically caused diseases, eugenical sterilization, immigration restriction, and the establishment of a common world government. Laughlin was also involved in thoroughbred horse breeding studies, a practical application of genetics.
Dates
- Creation: 1932.
Creator
- From the Collection: Laughlin, Harry H., 1880-1943 (Person)
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Extent
From the Collection: 22.5 linear feet
Language of Materials
English
Other Finding Aids
Photo marked with 97
Physical Description
Exhibit Includes:
Poster with photos and charts
Map of Panama
Poster with writing "The 'White Indians' of Panama are Partial Albinos. Albinism is inherited, as a 'recessive' trait. The world over, there is 1 albino to each 10,000 people. Among the San Blas Indians there is 1 albino to each 146 people. Albinism is 68 times more frquent in the San Blas than in the world at large because of relativly close inbreeding. Inbreeding does not cause albinism. But the frequency of occourance of any recessive trait, once present, is much increased by inbreeding. Albinism in the San Blas would be even more frequent if the albino men wre allowed to mate. The San Blas offers an example of a way by which human races may have arisen: viz. by mutation, geographical or other segregation, inbreeding. The indians of the San Blas are the shortest Indians ever measured in North, Centural, or South America. Height of average man (non albino) 4 feet 11 inches (149.9cm). Average woman 4 feet 8 inches (140.4 cm)."
A plaque(?) showing various symbols(?)
2 sculpted busts
An artistic(?) rendering of a man wearing a hat, possibly a Panama Indian(?)
2 papers with strands of hair taped down
Repository Details
Part of the Truman State University, Pickler Memorial Library, Special Collections Manuscripts Repository