Separation from bed and board may originally have been obtainable in Kentucky under the common law:[191] but it does not seem to be noticed by any of the early statutes. For the first time, by the present code, it may be granted on any of the grounds which warrant a total divorce, or for "such other cause as the court in its discretion may judge sufficient."[192] [191] HUMPHREY, _Compendium of the Common Law, in Force in Ky._, 135, above cited. [192] For the present law of divorce see _Ky. Stat._ (1903), 846-51; and compare the act of March 2, 1843: _Acts_ (1842-43), 29, 30. Previous to 1842 the function of the Maryland courts in divorce matters was restricted to the preparation of cases for the legislature. By the act of that year full, though not exclusive, jurisdiction in both kinds of divorce is conferred upon the chancellor and upon the county courts sitting as equity tribunals. Divorce _a vinculo_ is permitted (1) for impotence of either person at the time of the marriage; (2) "for any cause which by the laws of the state renders a marriage null and void _ab initio_;" (3) for adultery; (4) for abandonment with absence from the state for five years. The causes for which divorce _a mensa et thoro_ is granted are (1) cruelty of treatment; (2) excessively vicious conduct; (3) abandonment and desertion; (4) in all cases where a total divorce is prayed for, if the causes proved be sufficient for such limited decree under the act.[193] In 1844 the term of absence as cause of complete divorce is reduced to three years.[194] Three years later a fifth cause appears. Complete dissolution of wedlock is now allowed when the female before marriage has been guilty of illicit carnal intercourse with another man without the husband's knowledge.[195] The five grounds of total divorce thus recognized are the only ones still sanctioned by the existing code; although under the fourth head it is provided, in more detail, that a decree shall be rendered only when the court is satisfied by competent testimony that there has been uninterrupted abandonment for at least three years, that such abandonment is deliberate and final, and that the separation of the parties is "beyond any reasonable expectation of reconciliation."[196] Likewise the same four causes of partial divorce, laid down in 1842, still appear in the statute-book, and in such cases the decree may be "forever" or "for a limited time," as shall seem just to the court. The equity tribunals now possess exclusive jurisdiction in all divorce matters.[197] [193] _Code of Md._ (1888), I, 143. [194] Act of March 1, 1842: _Laws_ (1841-42), chap. 262. [195] _Laws_ (1844), chap. 306. [196] _Laws_ (1846-47), chap. 340 (act of March 10, 1847); MACKALL, _Maryland Code_ (1861), I, 74, 75. The causes of limited divorce and the other provisions of the act are the same as in that of 1842.