Page:American Journal of Sociology Volume 9.djvu/784

 754 THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SOCIOLOGY

family which is being molded for better social service. The stress laid by the code upon child-bearing reflects the economic value of children in an agricultural, pastoral, and industrial country. Barrenness as a factor in determining various adjust- ments of the family relations is frequently mentioned in the marriage laws. The childless wife must have been a pathetic figure in Babylon.

These, then, are the keynotes of the code: supreme, central- ized power; a stratified society; a uniform administration of justice by the state; individual responsibility; safeguards for property; protection for the weak; a unified and efficient family institution.

GEORGE E. VINCENT. THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO.