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The outstanding achievement of those years grew out of a European trip made by Doctor Goddard in 1907. It was taken in order to acquaint himself at first-hand with psychological research in European countries. During his trip his attention was called to the first published work, in 1905, of the eminent French scientists, Binet and Simon, on "A Measuring Scale of Intelligence." Sceptical of its value, his scientific mind had to assure itself whether the merits claimed for it were justified or otherwise. He brought back with him a copy of their publication, not yet translated from the French. This, together with the second part of their work, published in 1908, was translated into English by Miss Elizabeth S. Kite, social investigator and research worker of the laboratory from 1910 to 1918, and published by The Training School in 1912.

Before this, however, the laboratory was convincing itself of the scientific value of this measuring scale for the measuring of the intelligence of children. In 1908, Doctor Goddard's first article on "The Binet-Simon Tests of Intellectual Capacity" was published; in 1910 a translation of "Binet's Measuring Scale of Intelligence" and "Four Hundred Feeble-Minded Children Classified by the Binet Method"; in 1911 "A Revision of the Binet Scale," "Delinquent Girls Tested by the Binet Scale," and "Two Thousand Normal Children Measured by the Binet Scale"; in 1913 "The Binet Tests and the Inexperienced Teacher"; in 1914 "The Binet Scale: What It is and How It Is To Be Used"; and in 1917 "The Place of Intelligence in Modern Warfare."

The introduction of the "Binet-Simon Measuring Scale of Intelligence" into the United States, its verification, adaptation and instruction in its use was the work of The Village of Happiness through its Research Laboratory. As affecting human welfare this, up to now, has been its outstanding contribution.

Its rapid adoption by public school systems was hastened by its use, beginning in 1909, in the courses of instruction at the Village's Summer School for Teachers.

It had a major influence in the growth of special classes in the public schools and, in many respects, has revolutionized educational methods.

It gave a mighty impetus to, and a wide-spread interest in, the science of Psychology.

Its adaptation to the measurement of intelligence of adults has been of benefit to industry and prepared the way for those group tests devised in 1917 at The Village of Happiness for sifting our American forces in the World War, the story of which will be told in "The Committee on Provision." (2)

It also gave sorely needed tools to penal, reformatory and other institutions for the scientific classification of their inmates.

Professor Barnes' prophesy has been fulfilled: "To me Vineland is a human laboratory and a garden where unfortunate children are to be cared for, protected and loved while they unconsciously whisper to us syllable by syllable the secrets of the soul's growth. It may very well be that the most ignorant shall teach us most."

In 1912 "The Kallikak Family: A Study in the Heredity of Feeble-Mindedness" appeared. The material for this had been collected in the field during two years of arduous research by Miss Elizabeth S. Kite. This work, as with other publications of the Research Laboratory, brought early recognition of the scientific and practical value of its Research findings. "The Kallikak Family" is a scientific and human classic, known wherever the influence of heredity as a cause of mental growth or blight is taught.

The laboratory's objectives as stated by Doctor Goddard in 1914 were "A broad and far-reaching line of investigation" with "intensive studies that should have immediate interest and value to all who have at heart the welfare of the children in such institutions (for the mentally deficient), to all who teach or train normal children, and to the pure scientist." As to the future he said, "It has been asked how long this research work will be carried on? Until the cause of feeble-mindedness is known; until its prevention is understood; until all that can be learned from these special cases of mental development has been found out."

In six years the laboratory had grown from only a Director to a Director with sixteen assistants. Its quarters had of necessity been enlarged. This growth was continued until, in 1913, a new hospital having been erected, the old one, a three story brick building, was turned over to the laboratory for its exclusive use.