The History of Melanesian Society: Volume 2 Volume II

William Halse Rivers (1864?1922) was a groundbreaking physician, psychologist and anthropologist in the early twentieth century, chiefly remembered for his work on the psychological disorders produced by the First World War. In this two-volume work from 1914, he presents his theory of the diffusion of culture in the south-west Pacific. Volume Two details the many similarities and differences among the societies of Melanesia and the possible ways in which these contrasts could have arisen. This book will be of value to anyone with an interest in the history of anthropology or the Pacific islands.

15. Handel; 16. The morphological comparison of systems of relationship; 17. Melanesian gerontocracy; 18. Social organisation; 19. Descent, inheritance and succession; 20. Marriage; 21. Communism; 22. Functions of relatives; 23. The linguistic comparison; 24. Secret societies; 25. Tikopia; 26. Kava and Betel; 27. Beliefs and ceremonial connected with death; 28. Migrations; 29. Immigrant influence on social organisation; 30. Totemism; 31. Decorative art; 32. Communism and money; 33. Religion and magic; 34. Sun and moon, stone-work, incision, tattooing; 35. Material culture; 36. Language; 37. The Bismark Archipelago; 38. The dual organisation; 39. Conclusions; Index to volumes 1 and 2.