PATERNAL REGULATION. 429 



cal, and industrial regulation. For with increase of political 

 freedom and religious freedom, the freedom now practically 

 if not legally given to children, is such that the father, 

 instead of coercing them for his own benefit, habitually 

 coerces himself for their benefit ; and is largely swayed by 

 their wishes in respect to their industrial careers. 



777. The preceding sections exhibit paternal govern 

 ment at large during early stages, and do but indirectly im 

 ply its extension over domestic industry. But facts may be 

 given enforcing the inference that if the father has unlimited 

 authority over his children in other matters, he must have 

 unlimited authority over their labours. 



That he dictated the occupations of his sons is implied by 

 that industrial inheritance which has characterized early 

 stages of civilization all over the world. Various influ 

 ences made paternal power thus show itself. Already a son, 

 ever present in the house, had learned something of the 

 business carried on in it. To complete his knowledge was 

 manifestly easier than to give him knowledge of another 

 business even supposing this could be done on the premises, 

 and much easier considering that, if done at all, it must be 

 done elsewhere at considerable expense. A further motive 

 operated. In early days modes of production were kept 

 secret. The uncivilized and semi-civilized man, prone to 

 superstition, regards every process he does not understand 

 as supernatural; so that in Africa the blacksmith is even 

 now looked upon as a magician. Hence the meaning of the 

 word &quot; craft,&quot; which carries with it the idea of cunning and 

 subtlety, or some skill passing the common apprehension. 

 Evidently, then, the aim always was to keep the secrets of 

 the business in the family. And evidently sons brought up 

 with a knowledge of these secrets, and by years of practice 

 made skilful, were compelled to continue on as journey 

 men under parental control, since no other career was open 

 to them. 



