Lewis Henry Morgan (Morgan Lewis Henry)

(1818-1881) His theory of the evolution of human culture are among the most influential anthropological conceptions 19.
Morgan was born November 21, 1818 near Aurore (pc. New York). He studied at Union College (Schenectady). Lectures on jurisprudence, has a right to practice. In 1844 he moved to Rochester (pc. New York).

In 1851, Morgan has published a book Iroquois League (The League of the Iroquois). The monumental work of systems of kinship and family ties (Systems of Consanguinity and Affinity of the Human Family) was published in 1871, and in it he not only made by the founder of the science of the relationship, . but also laid the foundation of his theory of social evolution, . fully presented in the book Ancient Society (Ancient Society, . 1877),
. The book is often translated into different languages. Completed a study scientist's work at home and home life of American natives (Houses and House-Life of the American Aborigines, 1881).

According to Morgan, the culture of humankind evolved by stages, from savagery through barbarism to civilization, and each stage meet certain technological and sociological characteristics. The social life of man began with promiscuity and evolved through a series of family forms of monogamy.

A side hobby Morgan became the study of beavers, he is author of The American beaver and his facility (American Beaver and His Works, 1868).

Morgan has never held any positions in the university, museum or other scientific institutions, but it is a recognized leader among anthropologists. Met with Darwin, Huxley and other scientific authorities during a trip to Europe, conducted an extensive correspondence with American and foreign scientists. In 1875 he was elected a member of the National Academy of Sciences, and in 1879 - president of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Morgan died in Rochester on Dec. 17, 1881.