Machine derived contents note: Tables and figures -- note on currency -- Introduction -- Part I. The Seventeenth Century (1600-1651): 1. The family as the basis of society -- 2. The importance of dowry -- 3. The marriage bargain -- Part II. The Eighteenth Century (1700-1769): 4. Transition in the family and society -- 5. Continuity and change in the practice of dowry -- 6. A changing marriage bargain -- Part III. The Nineteenth Century (1800-1869): 7. The growth of individualism -- 8. The separation of business from family -- 9. Decline of the dowry -- 10. A new marriage bargain -- 11. Problems with the dowry -- Conclusion: disappearance of the dowry -- Appendixes -- Glossary -- Notes -- Bibliography -- Index
