SIR JULIAN S. HUXLEY - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 03/12/1973 - HFSID 72758

SIR JULIAN S. HUXLEY
Sir Julian S. Huxley sends a typed letter about reducing violence and preventing wars.
Typed Letter Signed: "Julian S. Huxley", 1p, 6x8½. London, 1973 March 12. The English biologist and ecologist writes on an air letter sheet to Dr. Constantine D.J. Generales, New York. In full: "Thank you for your letter of March 7th, just arrived. Yes, I am getting steadily better and now able to go for long walks on the Heath, if rather slowly. I don't quite know what you want to do with your Inst. of Bolemology: I presume to make war less likely - but I don't understand how you propose to do it. The most important thing we have to do at present is to reduce the birth-rate in all countries. I have never heard of attempting changes in the structure of the brain-cells. However, there are certain conditions (e.g. proneness to violence) which can be alleviated by lobotomy. But this may alter the character too much and produce a man deficient in the instinct for aggression which is a necessary part of his make-up, even though it must be controlled and guided. How amusing that you yourself gathered a piece of lava! My wife joins me in warm greetings to you both." In a postscript signed: "JSH", Huxley adds: "You say the best promise for preventing war is through Science, though brain-surgery may help. I think that Sociology, Education and general attitudes equally important, but I fear that nothing will eradicate war and violence in the foreseeable future." Among the knighted biologist's works are The Individual in the Animal Kingdom, The Science of Life (with H.G. Wells and G.P. Wells) and Evolution: The Modern Synthesis. Huxley has written his name and address as sender on verso. Lightly creased, nicked right edge. Fine condition.