SEX AND SOCIAL RELATIONS 221 



to bear on their work. Such a court, to serve its 

 object best, should investigate as well as judge. It 

 would, perhaps, be possible to stave off divorce in 

 many instances where it is now granted. The 

 cardinal principle in the management of such cases 

 should be the grave emphasis of the claims of the 

 child to the utmost patience and self-sacrifice on the 

 part of the unfortunate parents. It seems not an 

 impracticable idea that a highly intelligent appeal, 

 animated by the spirit of biological truth, could be 

 made effective in the prevention of divorce in cases 

 where misunderstanding has been clouded by igno- 

 rance, prejudice, egotism, or false pride. Where 

 the intelligence and temperament of the parents is 

 of such an order that malice or deep-rooted dislike 

 enter prominently into the emotional reactions of 

 one or both of them, the case is hopeless and the 

 child probably better for escaping witnessing the 

 dissensions. But of the disagreements which now 

 end in divorce, it is likely that a fair proportion have 

 a less serious basis. That there are numerous in- 

 stances where the extreme step of divorce is not 

 essential to relieve the situation is shown by the good 

 effect of the English law by which a legal separation 

 without divorce is brought about. This plan has 

 the advantage of preventing a new marriage, while 

 providing for alimony and leaving open a chance for 

 ultimate reconciliation. 



The same biological considerations which, in 

 general, make divorce a misfortune for the children, 



