Slavery as an industrial system : $b Ethnological researches.

by H. J. (Herman Jeremias) Nieboer

"Slavery as an Industrial System: Ethnological Researches" by Dr. H. J. Nieboer is a scientific publication written in the early 20th century. This work investigates slavery specifically as an industrial phenomenon within various savage tribes, analyzing historical and sociological aspects rather than purely historical accounts or philanthropic motivations. The author seeks to understand the conditions under which slavery flourished or declined, and how these relate to the broader characteristics of societal organization. The opening of the text presents the preface and general introduction, outlining the intent and framework of Nieboer's research. He explains that this revised edition builds upon his previous work on the topic, elaborating on improved details and incorporating critiques from established scholars. The introduction emphasizes the importance of employing a comparative method in ethnology to uncover sociological laws governing human societies, focusing specifically on slavery in its industrial context. Nieboer sets the tone for an analytical discussion that distinguishes between slavery and related social phenomena, aiming to provide insights into why slavery has persisted in certain cultures while waning in others.