Studies on Inbreeding. VII.-Some Further Considerations Regarding the Measurement and Numerical Expression of Degrees of Kinship

In this paper the basic concepts of inbreeding are redefined in a simple and rigorous manner, and on the basis of these definitions a new and more accurate method of measuring and expressing numerically the degree of kinship between any two individuals whatsoever, whose pedigrees are known, is set forth and illustrated by examples. A new constant, the partial inbreeding index, is described. Its purpose is to indicate numerically the part of the total inbreeding exhibited in the pedigree of any individual which is due to relationship between the sire and the dam of that individual.