Book XVI.
Chap. 3, & 4.in Asia, and so difficultly extended in Europe; why Christianity is maintained in Europe, and has been destroyed in Asia; and in fine, why the Mahometans have made such progress in China, and the Christians so little.
Some particular reasons induced Valentinian[1] to permit polygamy in the empire. That law, so improper for our climates, was abrogated[2] by Theodosius, Arcadius, and Honorius.
CHAP. III.
That a Plurality of Wives depends greatly on the Means of supporting them.
THOUGH in countries where polygamy is once established, the number of wives is principally determined by the riches of the husband; yet it cannot be said that riches established polygamy in these states; since poverty may produce the same effect, as I shall prove when I come to speak of the savages.
Polygamy in powerful nations, is less a luxury in itself, than the occasion of great luxury. In hot[3] climates they have few wants, and it costs little to maintain a wife and children; they may therefore have a great number of wives.
CHAP. IV.
That the Law of Polygamy is an Affair that depends on Calculation.
ACCORDING to the calculations made in several parts of Europe, there are here
