Description

A Comparative View of the Mortality of the Human Species, at All Ages And of the Diseases and Casualties by Which They Are Destroyed or Annoyed is a pioneering work in the field of demography and public health, authored by William Black in the late 18th century. This comprehensive volume meticulously examines the patterns of human mortality across different ages, offering a detailed analysis of the various diseases and accidents that contribute to death and suffering within populations. Drawing on extensive data collected from parish registers, hospital records, and other contemporary sources, Black presents a systematic comparison of mortality rates in different regions and time periods, highlighting the influence of social, environmental, and medical factors on human longevity. The book is richly illustrated with charts and tables, providing readers with clear visual representations of statistical findings and trends. Black categorizes the principal causes of death, ranging from infectious diseases such as smallpox, measles, and consumption, to accidents, violence, and other external causes. He also explores the impact of age, sex, occupation, and living conditions on susceptibility to various maladies, offering insights into the vulnerabilities of different segments of society. A Comparative View of the Mortality of the Human Species stands as an early and influential attempt to apply quantitative methods to the study of public health, predating many modern epidemiological approaches. Black’s careful observations and analyses not only shed light on the health challenges of his era but also provide a valuable historical perspective on the evolution of medical knowledge and public health policy. This work remains a significant resource for historians, demographers, and anyone interested in the origins of statistical analysis in medicine and the social sciences.