(2) The duration of a period may be calculated by generalions or the probable average lengths, of reigns, but such calculations are of little value, and the succession of generations even when the evidence seems to be full is particularly difficult to ascertain in Egyptian, owing to adoptions and the repetition of the same name even in one family of brothers and sisters.

Their judicial functions had at the time when Herodotus wrote (about 430 B.C.) been restricted to cases dealing with heiresses, adoptions and the public roads: civil cases were decided by the ephors, criminal jurisdiction had passed to the council of elders and the ephors.

There are various types of adoptions, including open, closed, private, and international, and each of these have advantages and disadvantages.

People are naturally fascinated with adoptions, and many of those inquisitive folks don't have a problem with asking rather personal questions.

Prospective parents need to educate themselves thoroughly on their state's laws as well as the various types of infant adoptions that are available.