While making some researches in the evolution of women's
rights, I was
impressed by the fact that no one had ever, as far as I
could discover,
attempted to give a succinct account of the matter for
English-speaking
nations. Indeed, I do not believe that any writer in any
country has
essayed such a task except Laboulaye; and his
_Recherches sur la
Condition Civile et Politique des Femmes_, published in
1843, leaves
much to be desired to one who is interested in the
subject to-day.
I have, therefore, made an effort to fill a lack. This
purpose has been
strengthened as I have reflected on the great amount of
confused
information which is absorbed by those who have no time
to make
investigations for themselves. Accordingly, in order to
present an
accurate historical review, I have cited my authorities
for all
statements regarding which any question could be raised.
This is
particularly so in the chapters which deal with the
condition of women
under Roman Law, under the early Christian Church, and
under Canon Law.
In all these instances I have gone directly to primary
sources, have
investigated them myself, and have admitted no
secondhand evidence. In
connection with Women's rights in England and in the
United States I
have either consulted the statutes or studied the
commentaries of
jurists, like Messrs. Pollock and Maitland, whose
authority cannot be
