Henry James Sumner Maine

Date of Birth: August 15, 1822

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Date of Death: February 3, 1888

Biography

Henry James Sumner Maine was a prominent British historian, jurist, and anthropologist, known for his pioneering work in comparative law and anthropology. Born on August 15, 1822, in Kelso, Scotland, Maine’s work has had a profound impact on the understanding of legal systems and societal structures. He was the son of James Maine, a doctor, and Eliza Maine. Maine studied at Christ’s Hospital and later at Pembroke College, Cambridge, where he excelled academically. After graduating, he became a professor of civil law at the University of Cambridge. His notable work, “Ancient Law: Its Connection with the Early History of Society, and Its Relation to Modern Ideas,” published in 1861, established him as a leading figure in legal history and anthropology. Throughout his career, Maine held several esteemed positions, including the Regius Professor of Civil Law at the University of Cambridge and the Whewell Professor of International Law. He also served as the legal member of the council of the Governor-General of India, where he contributed to significant legal reforms. Maine’s contributions extended beyond academia; his insights into the evolution of legal systems influenced both contemporary and future legal scholarship. His other major works include “Village-Communities in the East and West” and “Lectures on the Early History of Institutions.” Henry James Sumner Maine passed away on February 3, 1888, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence the fields of law and anthropology.

5 Interesting Facts about Henry James Sumner Maine

1. Henry Maine was knighted in 1871 for his contributions to the field of law and his service in India.

2. Maine’s book “Ancient Law” was one of the first to systematically examine the relationship between early legal institutions and modern legal systems.

3. He played a crucial role in the codification of laws in British India, which has had a lasting impact on the Indian legal system.

4. Maine was a member of the Royal Society, reflecting his esteemed position in the academic community.

5. He was a strong advocate for the use of historical and comparative methods in the study of law, which was revolutionary at the time.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Henry James Sumner Maine

1. “The movement of the progressive societies has hitherto been a movement from Status to Contract.”

2. “War appears to be as old as mankind, but peace is a modern invention.”

3. “The most celebrated systems of law are the offspring of three great civilizations: the Roman, the Hindu, and the Mohammedan.”

4. “Law is stable; the societies we are speaking of are progressive.”

5. “The man who first saw that the order of nature is uniform was the founder of the sciences.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

While precise historical estimates of Maine’s net worth are not available, it is known that he was quite prosperous due to his various academic and governmental positions.