Chapter II: Modes of Obtaining Wives

Prof. Westermarck's definition of marriage and family accepted
at the outset as starting-point (pp. 34, 35).--Inquiry first
directed towards the legal aspect of marriage and ideas on
marriage, as expressed and embodied in the aboriginal modes of
obtaining wives (pp. 35, 36).--Statements concerning these facts
(pp. 36-47).--Rough survey (pp. 47, 48).--(1) _Normal forms of
marriage_ (pp. 48 _sqq._).--Chief features and forms of the normal
methods: betrothal in infancy (p. 48);--exchange of sisters or
relatives (pp. 48, 49);--obligations of contracting parties (pp.
49, 50);--some traces of marriage by purchase (pp. 50-52);--public,
tribal character of marriage arrangements (p. 52);--betrothal
and marriage ceremonies (pp. 52-53).--(2) _The violent forms of
marriage_ (pp. 53-55).--Capture (pp. 54, 55).--Elopement (pp.
55, 56).--_Theoretical inferences drawn from these facts_ (pp.
56 _sqq._).--The legal aspect of marriage (pp. 56-58).--The
elements enforcing _ipso facto_ the validity of marriage (pp.
58, 59).--Collective ideas expressed by the facts analyzed (pp.
60-62).--Marital bonds not lax, but on the whole strong and
permanent (pp. 62-66).--Summary (p. 66).

CHAPTER III

HUSBAND AND WIFE

Exposition of the problem (pp. 67, 68).--Statements
(pp. 68-74).--Numerous contradictions extant on this subject. Some
apparently trustworthy statements, affirming a very extensive
authority on the part of the husband, combined with a certain
mutual attachment (pp. 74, 75).--Division of the subject under
three headings for the purpose of securing more definite answers
(pp. 76, 77).--(1) The authority of the husband over his wife
nearly absolute, limited only in cases of wilful murder
(pp. 77-79).--(2) Ill-treatment not the rule; from this, combined
with the foregoing point, follows (pp. 79-82).--(3) Existence of
some affection and attachment between the aboriginal married couples
(pp. 82-84).--On the whole the information in this chapter very
contradictory (p. 84).--Strength of marital bond, as expressed by
mourning and burial ceremonies and customs (pp. 84-88).

CHAPTER IV

SEXUAL ASPECT OF MARRIAGE

General character of the information on this subject indicated,
and some controversy contained in this chapter justified
(pp. 89-91).--Problem set forth (pp. 91, 92).--Statements
(pp. 92-100).--Local differences between different groups of tribes
in sexual matters (pp. 100, 101).--Three points investigated:
(1) The husband's definite sexual over-right and control over
his wife involving his consent in all cases. Otherwise adultery
considered a crime (pp. 101-103).--(2) Chastity in general; its
slight recognition (pp. 104, 105).--(3) Regulated licence
(pp. 105-107).--Its chief form: the Pirrauru practice (pp. 108,
109).--A detailed discussion of the latter showing its lack of the
features of "group marriage" (pp. 109-123).--In general all sexual
licence _regulated_ and devoid of the character of promiscuity and
disorder (pp. 123, 124).--Digression on sexual jealousy among the
Australian aborigines (pp. 124-131).