London - A single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife, Jane Austen wrote in 1813.
But though almost 200 years have passed since the publication of Pride and Prejudice, it appears little has changed.
A study has found that women in search of a partner are still attracted by wealth and status.
Number one on the list of most desirable professions for a future mate is the high-earning executive or senior manager.
Second in the ranking is the doctor, vet or dentist and in third place is the lawyer or solicitor, followed by teachers and the self-employed.
Firemen - who have long had a reputation as being hot stuff - were ranked only 33rd out of 79 professions.
The study, which was drawn from information provided by female users of match.com, the UK’s biggest online dating firm, found the least desirable professions were librarians, florists and lorry drivers.
Kate Taylor, of match.com, said: “Success is sexy, and a man who has reached the level of manager will be seen as having responsibility, ambition and maturity.
“These are all attractive qualities to females who prefer an ‘alpha’ partner - one who is decisive and driven.”
She added that doctors were a popular choice because they combined intelligence and caring with a decent wage packet. - Daily Mail