Selected items will be cited in this or subsequent issues of Population Index. Oxford OX4 1JF, England. The abandonment of children in Europe from Roman times to the late Middle Ages is explored. The author concludes that this practice was frequently resorted to and that it represented the most feasible means of family limitation when other methods were either ineffective or prohibited. Other determining factors cited were reduction in the number of heirs, desire to change the sex ratio of children, and opportunity to give unwanted children to families or institutions where they would be more valued.
Data are from a range of historical and literary sources.
Society, health and population during the demographic transition. Included are 28 papers by various authors that were presented at six sessions. The primary geographical focus is on Europe, with particular emphasis on Scandinavia. The enumerations in the Hautes-Alpes department in the eighteenth century. Bulletin d'Information, No. 53, Nov 1988.