At the outset only a general definition of "family" adopted; on the other hand raw ethnographical material given. Necessity of continually checking these two data with each other (p. 17).--In dealing with the ethnographical evidence _three_ points to be taken into consideration (pp. 17 _sqq._).--(1) Criticisms of each statement (pp. 18 _sqq._).--Verbal criticism (hermeneutic) (pp. 18-19).--Criticism of contents (pp. 19 _sqq._).--Different elements which might possibly have been the source of errors; and upon an analysis of which criticism in question may in part be based; (_a_) Material which the author had under observation (pp. 20-22).--(_b_) Circumstances and method of obtaining information (pp. 22, 23).--(_c_) Personal character and profession of the writer (pp. 23, 24).--(_d_) Purpose for which the book was written (p. 24).--(_e_) Form and quality of the writer's generalizations and abstract formulation (pp. 24, 25).--(2) Geographical localization of statements (pp. 26 sqq.).--Condition under which local differences may be safely assumed (pp. 26, 27).--(3) Final inferences from the evidence (pp. 27 _sqq._).--Character of this operation; analytical division of the information on a given subject under different headings. Separate discussion of each point. Contradictions emphasized and not concealed (pp. 27-29).--Conclusion drawn (pp. 29, 30).--Its confrontation with kindred facts (pp. 30, 31).--The chief methodological aim: general and complete clearness of all the operations of inference and argument (pp. 31-33). 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