ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the most ancient form of property known, that is to say, landed property. The rights of disposal, which seem more especially characteristic of the right of property. The characteristic that makes a thing the property of a certain subject or individual exhibits the same contagiousness. The right of usufruct is typical of these rights. The proof that this primary feature is already inherent in the right of property is that the usufruct itself is an element in this right; as a rule it is looked on as the result of a breaking up of the right of property. A clearly defined right of property only appears at the focal point of the clan; small family groups settle on agreed pieces of land, set their landmark on them and dwell there permanently. Man's right of property is only a substitute for the right of property of the gods.
