BOOKS

HUMAN HEREDITY

Ashley Montagu.

1959

The World Publishing Co.

Homosexuality hereditary or environmental?

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In his now book Dr. Ashley Montagu, distinguished anthropologist and author of such well-known books as THE NATURAL SUPERIORITY OF WOMEN, ON BEING HUMAN, and MAN: HIS FIRST MILLION YEARS, now explores the rapidly developing science of genetics or horedity as applied to the human species.

Among the many fascinating scientific facts which have recently come to light in this field are some choice tidbits for homophiles. Of considerable interest in the search for the cause of homosexuality are the findings of Dr. Franz Kallman in a study of identical twins.

It has boon found that in varying the environment of identical twins, significant differences dovolop between the m particularly in psychological traits. However, it is interesting to note that while such studies disclose it is extremely rare for both twins to commit suicide, it is tho general rule for both twins to be of the same sexual orientation. In following a total of 18 sets of identical twins, only one set was recorded in which both had committed suioide, whereas out of a total of 45 pairs of identical twins studied only one pair was found to be discordant for homosexuality.

It is believed that such findings seriously challenge the psychodynamic theories on the cause of homosexuality and strengthen the hypothesis of a genetic basis.

Of particular value in understanding the entire issue of heredity vs. environment is the clarificati on by Dr. Montagu of the term "environment". Misconception as to the meaning of this word has led to futile disputes about the causative factor in homosexuality, and Dr. Kontagu's ex-

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