Page:American Journal of Sociology Volume 9.djvu/153

Rh tribution now impossible to distinguish in the unity of the final resultant" (p. 691).

Any new theory of Indo-European origins must, of course, contend with the various hypotheses that have been hitherto advanced. It is not surprising, therefore, that a large part of the present work consists in a critical exposition of these hypotheses and a demonstration of their inadequacy. The conclusions of the author are set forth with becoming modesty, and he closes his work with a recognition of its relative value, and the assurance that he stands ready to change his opinions with the discovery of new facts showing his present position untenable.

title page declares that this book is a study in sociology and comparative legislation. The argument is sociological; the conclusion is framed in the form of a projected amendment to civil, penal, and administrative law. The volume is a practical proof that neither the science of economics nor of jurisprudence is adequate for the treatment of problems of this class, because every interest of society is affected and many agencies are required to co-operate in providing a remedy. The first part is historical, traces the development of the French law from early times down to the present, and gives a comparative view of legislation in other modern countries. The second part criticises the general principles of that part of the code known as Article 340; answers objections; discusses modes of proof, seduction as a crime, and necessity of penal repression.

By an elaborate presentation of statistics the author fortifies his argument by showing how the French law affects birth-rate, mortality of illegitimate infants, marriage, and juvenile crime.

Then he discusses reform measures proposed and offers his own solution. A full bibliography adds to the value of the volume. There is every evidence of conscientious study of facts and of a high moral purpose.