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to venture on so bold an undertaking*." If this diffidence could be felt by one in whom such talents and virtues were united, as have seldom met together to bless the living generation, or shed their light on posterity, it would be strange indeed, if the present writer did not shrink at her temerity in coming forward at all.

Memoirs of Sir Samuel Romilly, vol. i., p. 243.

November,

1840.

CONTENT S.

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Terms "Nature" and "Natural" used in two senses. First.
Second. Inference from the whole.

THE PRACTICES OF SAVAGE LIFE ARE NO TEST OF WHAT

IS NATURAL

Illustrations. Importance of knowing what is really a
dictate of nature, and danger of mistaking it. The
argument applied to the condition of women.

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Savages are sometimes found gentle and innocent. Women
are there found free and equal. Instances of that
primitive condition. Among ferocious tribes, the
treatment of women depends partly on their power of

utility. Power leads to oppression, without peculiar
cruelty of disposition. Tyranny not incompatible
with kind emotions. Instances of primitive mildness
resumed. Simplicity easily converted to ferocity, and
then the weaker sex oppressed. The ancient Germans
a remarkable exception. Women are incapable of
that concert which men can oppose to oppression.
Singular exception to the subordination of women.
Their predominance neither credible nor desirable,
except in some very simple community. Circum-
stances that might give rise to that condition, exem-
plified in Cloddagh village. First inroads of war dis-
astrous to women. Hardships alone embitter the

temper.

Page

CONDITION OF WOMEN IN SAVAGE STATES

Women degraded. Oppression of women springs more
from pride and selfishness than cruelty. Various ex-
amples of female degradation.

CONDITION OF WOMEN IN BARBAROUS STATES

Introductory reflections on the means of happiness.
Women made honorary slaves. Turkey. Lady
Mary Wortley's letters considered. Effects of do-
mestic despotism on national character, from Dow's
Hindostan. Persia. China.

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