"The ancient codes were doubtless originally suggested by the discovery and diffusion of the art of writing"

Henry James Sumner Maine's quote recommends that the ancient codes of law were likely created as a result of the discovery and spread of the art of writing. This indicates that prior to composing was discovered, laws were likely given orally and were not jotted down. Once composing was discovered, it allowed for laws to be documented and spread out more easily, which enabled the development of more complex and detailed codes of law. This quote likewise recommends that composing was a major consider the development of law, as it permitted laws to be taped and spread more quickly. This enabled the advancement of more complex and in-depth codes of law, which were most likely the basis for the ancient codes of law. In conclusion, Henry James Sumner Maine's quote recommends that the discovery and spread of the art of writing was a major consider the development of ancient codes of law.