CHAPTER I
EXPOSITION OF THE PROBLEM AND METHOD

I. Exposition of the problem and justification of the task (pp. [1] sqq.).

Some contradictions and obscurities concerning family and kinship in Australia (pp. [1-6]).—Necessity of a careful and detailed description of all the features of the individual family among the Australian aborigines (pp. [6-9]).—The sense in which the conception of law and legal should be applied to the Australian native society indicated (pp. [9-17]).

II. Method of dealing with the evidence (pp. [17] sqq.).

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

Exposition of the problem (pp. [67], [68]).—Statements (pp. [68-74]).—Numerous contradictions extant on this subject. Some apparently trustworthy statements, affirming a very extensive authority on the part of the husband, combined with a certain mutual attachment (pp. [74], [75]).—Division of the subject under three headings for the purpose of securing more definite answers (pp. [76], [77]).—(1) The authority of the husband over his wife nearly absolute, limited only in cases of wilful murder (pp. [77-79]).—(2) Ill-treatment not the rule; from this, combined with the foregoing point, follows (pp. [79-82]).—(3) Existence of some affection and attachment between the aboriginal married couples (pp. [82-84]).—On the whole the information in this chapter very contradictory (p. [84]).—Strength of marital bond, as expressed by mourning and burial ceremonies and customs (pp. [84-88]).

CHAPTER IV
SEXUAL ASPECT OF MARRIAGE