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Sect XIII.l 



ETHNOLOGY. 



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In every nation, however barbarous, it is probable that 

 some sort of moralltv exists in the sentiments of men 

 some notions of right and wrong —and that some practices 

 are considered lawful and praiseworthy, while others are 

 forbidden. The same religious impressions and the same 



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superstitions prevail through all the branches of a widely 

 spread race, as the superstition of the tabu among the 



Inquiry should be made as to all traits of 

 this description, and all the phenomena which enter into 

 the psychological character of a particular tribe. Among 

 these traits are the regulations respecting marriages 



Polynesians. 



in different communities^ In som.e countries a compli- 

 cated, and, as it appears, a very elaborate and artificial 

 system of rules prevails, founded on the intention of 

 preventing intorraarriages between families even remotely 

 connected by consanguinity. The institution of the Totem^ 

 as it was termed among the North American nations, has 



its counterpart among the nations of Australia. Whether 

 the existence of customs so similar among these widely- 

 separated races is a result of former intercourse, or a 

 merely accidental coincidence, it is unnecessary to inquire. 

 In both countries it constitutes a remarkable trait in the 

 social and moral character of the nations among whom it 

 prevails, and it may lead us to believe that nations appa- 



rently the most savage and destitute are not alwa^' 



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overned merely by accidental impulses and merely ani- 

 mal passions, but are capable of deep thoughts and re- 

 wise and well- 



flection, and of enacting ia\\ 



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understood import. 



Inquiries should be made as to 



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social life, not only among civilized nations ard those who 



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