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THE HISTORY
OF
HUMAN MARRIAGE
Printers monogram
THE HISTORY
OF
HUMAN MARRIAGE
BY
EDWARD WESTERMARCK
LECTURER ON SOCIOLOGY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF FINLAND,
HELSINGFORS
London
MACMILLAN AND CO., Limited
NEW YORK: THE MACMILLAN COMPANY
1901
All rights reserved
Richard Clay and Sons, Limited
London and Bungay.
First Edition, 1891.
Second Edition, 1894.
Third Edition, 1901.
INTRODUCTORY NOTE
BY ALFRED R. WALLACE
Having read the proofs of Mr. Westermarcks book I am asked by the publishers to say a few words by way of introducing the work to English readers. This I have great pleasure in doing, because I have seldom read a more thorough or a more philosophic discussion of some of the most difficult, and at the same time interesting problems of anthropology.
The origin and development of human marriage have been discussed by such eminent writers as Darwin, Spencer, Morgan, Lubbock, and many others. On some of the more important questions involved in it all these writers are in general accord, and this agreement has led to their opinions being widely accepted as if they were well-established conclusions of science. But on several of these points Mr. Westermarck has arrived at different, and sometimes diametrically opposite, conclusions, and he has done so after a most complete and painstaking investigation of all the available facts.
With such an array of authority on the one side and a hitherto unknown student on the other, it will certainly be thought that all the probabilities are against the latter. Yet I venture to anticipate that the verdict of independent thinkers will, on most of these disputed points, be in favour of the new comer who has so boldly challenged the conclusions of some of our most esteemed writers. Even those whose views are here opposed, will, I think, acknowledge that Mr. Westermarck is a careful investigator and an acute reasoner, and that his arguments as well as his conclusions are worthy of the most careful consideration.
I would also call attention to his ingenious and philosophical explanation of the repugnance to marriage between near relatives which is so very general both among savage and civilised man, and as to the causes of which there has been great diversity of opinion; and to his valuable suggestions on the general question of sexual selection, in which he furnishes an original argument against Darwins views on the point, differing somewhat from my own though in general harmony with it.
Every reader of the work will admire its clearness of style, and the wonderful command of what is to the author a foreign language.
PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION
I need scarcely say how fully I appreciate the honour of being introduced to English readers by Mr. Alfred R. Wallace. I am also greatly obliged for his kindness in reading the proofs, and in giving me the benefit of his advice with regard to various parts of the subject.
It is difficult for me to acknowledge sufficiently my obligations to Mr. James Sime for his assistance in preparing this book for the press. The work, as originally written, naturally contained a good many foreign modes of expression. Mr. Sime has been indefatigable in helping me to improve the form of the text; and, in our discussions on the main lines of the argument, he has made several important suggestions. I am sincerely obliged for the invaluable aid he has given me.
My cordial thanks are due to Mr. Charles J. Cooke, British Vice-Consul at Helsingfors, who most kindly aided me in writing the first part of the book in a tongue which is not my own. I am indebted also to Dr. E.B. Tylor, Professor G. Croom Robertson, Mr. James Sully, and Dr. W. C. Coupland for much encouraging interest; to Mr. Joseph Jacobs for the readiness with which he has placed at my disposal some results of his own researches; and to several gentlemen in different parts of the world who have been so good as to respond to my inquiries as to their personal observation of various classes of phenomena connected with marriage among savage tribes. The information I have received from them is acknowledged in the passages in which it is used.
A list of authorities is given at the end of the bookbetween the text and the index, and it may be well to add that the references in the notes have been carefully verified.
E. W.
London , May, 1891.
PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION
In this new edition of my book I have made no essential changes, but here and there the argument has been strengthened by the addition of facts which have come to my knowledge since the appearance of the first edition. The most important of these new facts will be found in the second chapter.
I take this opportunity of expressing my warm appreciation of the thorough way in which the ideas set forth in this book have been discussed by many critics in England and elsewhere. Translations of the work have appeared, or are about to appear, in German, Swedish, French, Italian, and Russian.
E. W.
London , January, 1894.
PREFACE TO THE THIRD EDITION
I much regret that the demand for a new edition of this book should come at a time when circumstances prevent me from undertaking such a revision of the work as I feel to be required. Since the appearance of the Second Edition many important facts bearing upon the subject have been brought to light, new theories have been advanced, and old theories, supported by fresh arguments, have been revived. To all this, however, I can do no justice, as I am at present being engaged in anthropological research in Morocco. This edition is, in consequence, a mere reprint of the second. But I purpose, after my return to Europe, to issue an Appendix, in which the book will be brought more up to date and some criticism will be replied to.
E. W.
Mogador ( Morocco ),
August, 1901.
CONTENTS
ON THE METHOD OF INVESTIGATION
History of human civilization a part of Sociology, p..Human marriage, ibid.
THE ORIGIN OF MARRIAGE
Tales of the origin of marriage, pp. -24.
A HUMAN PAIRING SEASON IN PRIMITIVE TIMES
Hypotheses as to the periodicity in the sexual life of animals, p..
THE ANTIQUITY OF HUMAN MARRIAGE
Marriage a necessary requirement for the existence of the human race, p. , et seq.
A CRITICISM OF THE HYPOTHESIS OF PROMISCUITY
The hypothesis of promiscuity, pp. , et seq.
A CRITICISM OF THE HYPOTHESIS OF PROMISCUITY
(Continued)
The classificatory system of relationship, pp..The groups of social phenomena adduced as evidence for the hypothesis of promiscuity no evidence, ibid.
A CRITICISM OF THE HYPOTHESIS OF PROMISCUITY
(Concluded)
Promiscuous intercourse between the sexes tends to a pathological condition unfavourable to fecundity, p..
MARRIAGE AND CELIBACY
Voluntary abstinence unheard of in a state of nature, p. , et seq.
THE COURTSHIP OF MAN
Males active, females comparatively passive, in courtship, pp..Female coquetry,
