hn Humphrey Noyes
(1811-1866), and attracted wide interest because of its pecuniary
success and its peculiar religious and social principles. Noyes
was originally a clergyman, but broke away from orthodox religion
to found a sect of his own in Putney, Vt., where he lived. This
sect was known as the "Association of Perfectionists" and formed
the nucleus of the community which Noyes later established at
Oneida. The principles of the new community were based on the
idea that true Christianity was incompatible with individual
property, either in things or in persons. Consequently the new
community held all its property in common. Marriage in the
conventional sense of the word was abolished. The community was
much interested in the question of race improvement by scientific
means, and maintained that at least as much scientific attention
should be given to the physical improvement of human beings as is
given to the improvement of domestic animals. The members claimed
to have solved among themselves the labor question by regarding
all kinds of service as equally honorable, and respecting every
person in accordance with the development of his character.

The members had some peculiarities of dress, mostly confined,
however, to the women, whose costumes included a short dress and
pantalets, which were appreciated for their convenience if not
for their beauty. The women also adopted the practice of wearing
short hair, which it was claimed saved time and vanity. Tobacco,
intoxicants, profanity, obscenity, found no place in the
community. The diet consisted largely of vegetables and fruits,
while meat, tea and coffee were served only occasionally.

For good order and the improvement of the members, the community
placed much reliance upon a very peculiar system of plain
speaking they termed mutual criticism. Under Mr. Noyes'
supervision it became in the Oneida Community a principal means
of discipline and government.

The community had its first financial success when it undertook
the manufacture of a steel trap invented by one of its members.
Later the community engaged in a number of other enterprises,
both agricultural and manufacturing. In the meantime they were
subjected to bitter attacks on account of the radical beliefs of
its members, especially regarding marriage. Noyes, the