The Eugenic Marriage, Volume 3 (of 4): A Personal Guide to the New Science of Better Living and Better Babies

"The Eugenic Marriage, Volume 3" by W. Grant Hague is a scientific publication written in the early 20th century. This volume serves as a personal guide to the emerging science of eugenics, focusing on better living and better offspring. The book delves into topics surrounding marriage, maternal health, the responsibilities of wives, and the pivotal influence of nurturing on children's future well-being. At the start of this volume, the text discusses the critical formative period in a couple's married life and lays emphasis on the importance of the right age for marriage, as well as the temperament compatibility between partners. Hague poses that the best age for individuals to marry is around twenty-three, where individuals are better equipped genetically and emotionally to contribute to the upbringing of healthy children. Along with guidelines about marital relations, the opening portion touches on the duties of a wife, stressing her significant role in ensuring her husband's efficiency and the overall health of the family. The emphasis lies on how early marriage may hinder the health of both mothers and future children, ultimately contributing to a broader discussion on the responsibilities within familial structures.