File:High-grade Imbecile I.jpg

years, who had received some training in a day-nursery kinder- 
garten, but got more on the streets. Powers of attention, imitation, 
and memory excellent. Had a good singing voice, a clear treble, and 
sang all the songs of the day. Was erratic, res'tless, and it was very 
difficult to keep him interested in anything for more than a few 
moments at a time. Incapable of fear, always eager for a fight, 
would attack a boy twice his size. Knew alphabet, and recognized 
color and form, and could draw well. Cleanly in habits and capable 
of self-help. Was obstinate, passionate, vulgar and profane. Re- 
sponding gradually to refined environment, did excellent work in the 
kindergarten, learning to march, to read, and to write fairly well, in 
two years. Transferred to school, is quick to grasp and to under- 
stand. Is learning to control temper, is very affectionate and clean, 
and seems to have forgotten much of his old vulgarity and profanity. 

Seventh child, born at full term ; ordinary labor ; fed artificially. 
Father a laborer, aged 32, and mother same age, at time of child's 
birth. Phthisis in father's family. The mother a most immoral 
woman ; a street walker. Environment the very worst — the entire family living in a room twelve by fifteen, its only window opening into 
a narrow dark passage. Mother and father both drunkards ; mother 
would pawn or sell children's clothing given in charity, to obtain 
liquor. Mother and oldest sister were sent to House of Correction 
for administering " knock-out drops " to a man. The girl, aged 
fourteen, told how she could decoy a man into the room, drop the 
chloral or " snuff " into his beer or whiskey, and then go through 
his pockets, knowing just where men usually keep their money. 

A brother and 2 sisters living — i sister a low-grade imbecile and