cial solidarity or human altruism. The problem
is not insoluble, but we must admit that the solution is not easy.

To resume, we first of all observe an evolution from monogamy toward
polygamy. The higher apes and the most primitive men are monogamous;
among these there are no differences of rank, nor class distinctions,
and they live in very small groups. Wealth, civilization, larger
communities, agriculture and the domination of castes have gradually
given rise to polygamy. Thus, the ancient Hindus were at first
monogamous and later on became polygamous. The prerogative of the
first wife over the others is only a vestige of monogamy in polygamy.

A higher degree of culture then diminishes warfare, shortens the
period of nursing, does away with the prejudices against coitus during
pregnancy, and improves the social position of women. Ageing less
quickly, and adding to her bodily charms those of her mental
development woman restores man to monogamy. As the same time wives and
children gradually cease to constitute riches, and this diminishes the
instinct of procreation. Finally, machinery replaces the female labor
of former times. In this way, with a higher degree of human culture,
all the factors tend to restore monogamy.

The instinctive desires of woman are monogamous. The progress of
civilization is continually extending her rights, and the more refined
sentiments of sympathy among civilized people are less and less
compatible with polygamy. As regards polyandry, Westermark shows that
it has always been an exception and that it has only been established
among phlegmatic races, having a certain degree of civilization and
being unacquainted with jealousy.

Spencer believes that monogamy will prevail in the future, while
Lubbock inclines to polygamy. Westermark thinks that if the progress
of civilization continues as hitherto to become more altruistic, and
that if love tends to become more refined, the conjoints having more
and more regard for each other, monogamy will always become more
strict.

For my part, I think it idle to prophesy. If mental culture ever
succeeds in overcoming brutality and barbarism, and if it continues to
make real progress, I do not think that any of the old systems of
marriage will persist in their primary form. Primitive monogamy
adapted to an unsocial savage condition, is incompatible with the
social requirements which become more and more imposed upon humanity.
Marriage by purchase a