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Moribund Society and Anarchy · Chapter

Endnotes explained

The endnotes provide references, clarifications, and translator's notes on various topics including family evolution, child-rearing in future society, Lombroso's flawed analysis of Chicago anarchists, Molinari's political evolution, militar

What happens

The endnotes provide references, clarifications, and translator's notes on various topics including family evolution, child-rearing in future society, Lombroso's flawed analysis of Chicago anarchists, Molinari's political evolution, military practices, and other supplementary commentary.

Themes in this chapter

  • Militarism and the State

    Translator's notes on army inspections, punishments, and the role of wax in military discipline illustrate the absurdity and control of military life.

  • Critique of Private Property

    Reference to Letourneau's 'Origin of Property' and discussion of family evolution ties to property relations.

Characters to notice

  • Jean Grave

    Referenced in translator's note regarding Lombroso's article on Chicago anarchists.

  • C. Lombroso

    Mentioned in translator's note for his article on the physiognomy of Chicago anarchists.

  • The Anarchists

    Referenced in translator's note about Lombroso's analysis of Chicago anarchists.

Key passages

  • I do not know whether Jean Grave had seen Prof. Lombroso’s article on the “Physiognomy of the Chicago Anarchists,” one of a series on “Criminal Anthropology,” published in the Monist , Chicago, April, 1891, wherein he admits in a footnote that his analysis was based upon portraits in Capt. Schaack’s book, which, as he had learned later, were incorrect! —⁠Translator

    The translator notes that Lombroso's analysis of Chicago anarchists was based on incorrect portraits, casting doubt on his conclusions.

    Highlights the unreliability of Lombroso's methods.

  • Since the above was written the famous Zola trial has given a farther demonstration of the government’s intention to make Dreyfus the scapegoat of its Judases in high places. —⁠Translator

    The Dreyfus affair and Zola trial show the government's willingness to scapegoat individuals.

    Connects to theme of state injustice.

Moribund Society and Anarchy — Endnotes Explained