DIY History | Transcribe | Hevelin Fanzines | Catalyst, issue 1, January 1943

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Catalyst, issue 1, January 1943

Page 7

request for a final degree of marriage must be denied."

The couple were stunned.

"But, your honor," protested Spinetti. "We are perfectly mated. You said, yourself, that the report of the Bureau was favorable. Why --?"

"I know," explained Solomon, patiently, "but there is more to the report than that, yours is a very unusual case, Mr. Spinetti, and yours, also, Miss Petroff. Neither of you is eligible to marry."

"At the age of five, Mr. Spinetti, you were typed as a genius of the fourth class. As such, you would be allowed to marry. Recent investigation of your case, however, shows that an error was made in typing you. You have an intelligence quotient of 220, Mr. Spinetti, which places you in the third class of genius. This order of genius is forbidden to marry."

"When the present system of marriage check and balance was introduced, a hundred years ago, the I.Q. of the average American was tenpoints below normal. Institutions were crowded with insane and feebleminded persons. Crime was rampant. Intelligence of even the fourth class was so rare as to be almost incredible. Intelligent mating, during the past century, has raised the average I.Q. to 175, insanity, feeblemindedness, and crime have been nearly eradicated. Our prison is practically empty, and our hospital has few cases more serious than simple ailments and accidental injuries. Mankind is getting smarter, and perfect health is the rule in New America, rather than the exception."

"Persons above the fourth grade of genius are subsidized by the government, Mr. Spinetti. They are not allowed to marry. They are required by law to become parents in whatever cases the Eugenics Bureau deem advisable."

"You, Miss Petroff, are also ineligible for marriage. You come from a family of known hemophiliacs, or bleeders. This malady is hereditary, and is transmitted through the female line. In accordance with the law governing such cases, you were sterilized at birth. Unfortunately, the records in your case were lost for many years, and were unearthed by recent research by the Bureau. Childless marriages are not encouraged in New America. You are free to choose whomever you wish as a companion. Mr. Spinetti you, except for such parental episodes as the Eugenics Bureau may demand, are free to maky any arrangements you desire in the matter of a companion. That is all."

Solomon only glanced at the last brief, then he called his secretary. 

"Last case. George Baker and Elaine Jones."

Miss Jones, the perfect secretary came in, followed by her finance, a deeply-tanned, husky, young fellow.

"Well, Miss Jones," observed Solomon. "You and George entered into your marriage agreement a year ago today. The Eugenics Bureau gives you both carte blanche, so I guess I'll have to apply for a new secretary."

"Ho hum! No more people waiting? Guess I'll knock off for the day. I suppose I should wish you kids all the happiness in the world, but it would be a bit silly. You will be happy, of course. The law wouldn't let you get married, otherwise. The law

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request for a final degree of marriage must be denied." The couple were stunned. "But, your honor," protested Spinetti. "We are perfectly mated. You said, yourself, that the report of the Bureau was favorable. Why --?" "I know," explained Solomon, patiently, "but there is more to the report than that, yours is a very unusual case, Mr. Spinetti, and yours, also, Miss Petroff. Neither of you is eligible to marry." "At the age of five, Mr. Spinetti, you were typed as a genius of the fourth class. As such, you would be allowed to marry. Recent investigation of your case, however, shows that an error was made in typing you. You have an intelligence quotient of 220, Mr. Spinetti, which places you in the third class of genius. This order of genius is forbidden to marry." "When the present system of marriage check and balance was introduced, a hundred years ago, the I.Q. of the average American was tenpoints below normal. Institutions were crowded with insane and feebleminded persons. Crime was rampant. Intelligence of even the fourth class was so rare as to be almost incredible. Intelligent mating, during the past century, has raised the average I.Q. to 175, insanity, feeblemindedness, and crime have been nearly eradicated. Our prison is practically empty, and our hospital has few cases more serious than simple ailments and accidental injuries. Mankind is getting smarter, and perfect health is the rule in New America, rather than the exception." "Persons above the fourth grade of genius are subsidized by the government, Mr. Spinetti. They are not allowed to marry. They are required by law to become parents in whatever cases the Eugenics Bureau deem advisable." "You, Miss Petroff, are also ineligible for marriage. You come from a family of known hemophiliacs, or bleeders. This malady is hereditary, and is transmitted through the female line. In accordance with the law governing such cases, you were sterilized at birth. Unfortunately, the records in your case were lost for many years, and were unearthed by recent research by the Bureau. Childless marriages are not encouraged in New America. You are free to choose whomever you wish as a companion. Mr. Spinetti you, except for such parental episodes as the Eugenics Bureau may demand, are free to maky any arrangements you desire in the matter of a companion. That is all." Solomon only glanced at the last brief, then he called his secretary. "Last case. George Baker and Elaine Jones." Miss Jones, the perfect secretary came in, followed by her finance, a deeply-tanned, husky, young fellow. "Well, Miss Jones," observed Solomon. "You and George entered into your marriage agreement a year ago today. The Eugenics Bureau gives you both carte blanche, so I guess I'll have to apply for a new secretary." "Ho hum! No more people waiting? Guess I'll knock off for the day. I suppose I should wish you kids all the happiness in the world, but it would be a bit silly. You will be happy, of course. The law wouldn't let you get married, otherwise. The law