Page:American Journal of Sociology Volume 2.djvu/623

 REVIEWS 609

Starcke's views are given in the chapter on the origin of society. According to this writer there is no evidence of a definite primitive group ; the intermediate stages between animals and man have left no trace. That is the region of conjecture.

At this point Espinas is introduced with his study of animal societies, and the lack of historic data is met by inferences from sub- human associations. From this ground one should infer many forms of society, each determined by the conditions of life. Certain fair inferences may be drawn. The male is predominant among animals ; is it probable that the first men were subject to women ? The male animal is jealous ; is it probable that the primitive savage would per- mit promiscuity ? The theory of the patriarchal family as primitive may not be accepted, but, on the other hand, the view that mere physical attractions were the sole social bond in early times is without proof. Even in animal societies there is a need of cooperation to secure food, to defend the group against attack, to enjoy sympathetic union.

Spencer's theory is stated and criticised. Primitive life was indefinite, unstable, homogeneous. Out of this condition came by different routes polygamy, polyandry, levirate, marriage by capture, patriarchate, and governments.

Coulanges and Ihering are cited as having made clear the religious and jural factors in the development of the family and the state. The gens is the institution which unites family and state. Society passes from the domestic to the political organization when the social bond is no longer one of blood, but of territory and common interests.

The problem of Posada is to trace the origin of the state. His view is that the family and society are contemporaneous. At first they were confused and indeterminate, and their functions were gradually differentiated. But from the beginning the bond of society was more than sexual impulse and need of economic production. Interests of sympathy, sociability, and religion combined from early ages to cement the relationships of social life. C. R. HENDERSON.

Christianity and Social Problems. By LYMAN ABBOTT. Houghton,

Mifflin & Co. 1896. Pp. 370.

AMONG the men who have led in the work of stirring the social conscience of the churches Dr. Abbott stands among the first. Yet