Howitt to Fison 18 February 1880
Transcription - Page 2
2. The present social condition of the Australian
tribes lies between communal and
individual marriage.
3. The (Early or Primitive) condition of the Australian
savage was that of a commune.
4. Relationship is to the group.
5. The communal principle is [still- crossed out] strongly
evident in Australian aboriginal society.
(a) Sir J Lubbock's view as to the individual
responsibility of the Australian savage rejected.
(a) [sic] the view of Sir H Maine and Professor
Hearn as for archaic society.
6. The Degradation and Progressive theories
7. Marriage by capture in the Australian tribes
(a) the view of Sir J Lubbock
(b) the view of Mr McLennan- both rejected
8. Analysis between the Kurnai and Historical Archaic
society.
9. General conclusions.
I have the whole now roughly drafted out and I await
your next letter - if it is delayed I may even set
to and send you a copy which you will be at
liberty to cut and prune as you like.
Yours faithfully
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