me court.
The references are to sections of McClain's Annotated Code and
Supplement.

The design of the work is not broad enough to give to the most careful
reader that knowledge of the _minutiae_ of the law necessary in the
application of its principles to particular cases and under a special
state of facts. It is in nowise adequate, even though its contents
should be thoroughly mastered, to make every woman her own lawyer, in
matters where she would otherwise require legal advice, but it is hoped
that its statements are sufficiently plain and free from technical
phraseology and legal terms, that even the casual reader may readily
comprehend them, and be able to gain a general understanding of the law
of our state upon these subjects.

J.L.W.

Des Moines, Iowa, May 1894.

TABLE OF CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I.

SYNOPSIS OF COMMON LAW.
Common law in force--Changes--Marriage--Dissolution of marriage--Power
of husband--Disabilities of wife--Custody of children--Property
rights--Descent of property--Discrimination in criminal matters--Right
of appeal--Reason for subjection of women

CHAPTER II.

MARRIAGE.
Contract of marriage--Legal age--No express form necessary--Who may
solemnize--When void

CHAPTER III.

HUSBAND AND WIFE.
Property rights of married women--Remedy by husband or wife against the
other--Wife's torts--Conveyances to each other--Conveyances to third
parties--Wages of wife--Contracts of wife--Family expenses--Removal from
homestead--Conveyance of property when husband or wife is insane

CHAPTER IV.

DIVORCE, ANNULLING MARRIAGES AND ALIMONY.
Jurisdiction of court--Evidence--Causes for divorce--Husband from
wife--Maintenance during litigation--Alimony--Custody of
children--Annulling illegal marriages--Causes--Legitimacy of children

CHAPTER V.

MINORS AND GUARDIANSHIP.
Majority--Contracts of minors--Natural guardians--Guardians of
property--Powers and duties of guardian--Guardians of drunkards,
spendthrifts and lunatics

CHAPTER VI.

APPRENTICING AND ADOPTION OF CHILDREN.
Method of apprenticing--Schooling and treatment of minors--Who may
adopt--Method and effect of adoption--Home for the friendless--Powers

CHAPTER VII.

WILLS AND LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION.
Who may make wills--Of what property--Verbal wills--Wills in
writing--Revocation--Cancellation--Executors--Administration--Who
entitled--Time allowed

CHAPTER VIII.

SETTLEMENT OF THE ESTATE--DESCENT AND DISTRI