Galton coined the term 'eugenics' to describe the study of factors that improve or impair the hereditary qualities of future generations. He envisioned eugenics as a science that could be used to promote 'good' breeding and to reduce the incidence of undesirable traits.

Galton delivered a lecture to the Sociological Society, further elaborating on his vision for eugenics. He argued that society had a responsibility to encourage the reproduction of individuals with desirable traits and to discourage the reproduction of individuals with undesirable traits. He suggested various measures, including financial incentives and social pressure, to achieve these goals.

Although in the US, the founding of the Eugenics Record Office at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory demonstrates the spread of Galton's ideas. This organization collected and analyzed data on human heredity and advocated for eugenic policies in the United States.

Galton actively promoted eugenics through his writings, lectures, and public appearances. He argued that eugenics was essential for the progress and well-being of society. His ideas gained considerable traction among intellectuals, politicians, and social reformers, both in Britain and abroad.

Galton died in 1911. While his contributions to statistics and scientific methodology are undeniable, his legacy is complicated by his association with eugenics. His ideas were later distorted and misused to justify discriminatory and oppressive policies, including forced sterilization and racial hygiene laws. Galton's work remains a subject of ongoing debate and ethical scrutiny.