378 THE POPULAR SCIENCE MONTHLY 



any changes in classification or improvement in diagnosis is largely 

 overcome. The most reliable records available for this purpose, giving 

 age divisions in 1880, are those of Massachusetts. While the death 

 rates in childhood and early adult life are relatively small, they too 

 show a significant increase. 



Included in this group are apoplexy, paralysis and diseases of the 

 heart, circulatory system, kidneys and liver. 2 



The most important of the other diseases of middle life and old age 

 that has increased is cancer. Comparing 1910 with 1880, the cancer 

 death rate has increased in Massachusetts 66 per cent.; since 1900 it 

 has increased 31 per cent. External cancer alone has increased in the 

 entire registration area 55 per cent, since 1900. 4 



In 16 cities the mortality rate from organic heart, apoplexy and 

 kidney affections alone has increased in 30 years from 17.94 to 34.78,' 

 or 94 per cent.; during 10 years (1900-1910) it increased from 29.4 

 to 34.78, or 18 per cent. In New Jersey, 1880-1910, it increased from 

 16.5 to 34.3, or 108 per cent. 



The curves vary in different states and cities, but the same general 

 trend is observed wherever statistics relating to these causes of death 

 are available. 



General Death Eate — Older Age Groups 



In 1880 the comparisons are confined to Massachusetts and New 

 Jersey, and to 16 registration cities, because in these areas we have the 

 most reliable statistics 5 of that time, from which these comparisons can 

 be carried through to 1910. Both of these were normal mortality 

 years, 6 and, it is believed, represent a fair average of the preceding five- 

 year periods. 



That this upward tendency has continued is indicated by a com- 

 parison of ten registration states 8 1900-1910. Increases: ages 45-49, 



2 The estimated deaths in 1910 from these diseases in the United States 

 (based upon the Beg. area) were 367,700. 



"U. S. Mortality Statistics, 1900, Census Bulletin 109, 1910. 



6 ' ' The state and municipal registration records were copied and are used in 

 the tabulations instead of the enumerators ' schedules. These state and municipal 

 registration records are based on a system of burial permits, and are therefore, 

 probably very nearly accurate. This fact should be borne in mind in comparing 

 the reported mortality of these with that of other localities." (U. S. Census 

 Beport, 1880.) 



6 ' ' The census year 1879-80 was probably a fair average year as regards 

 mortality. No great epidemic occurred during this period, unless we may con- 

 sider a marked prevalence of diphtheria as such." (U. S. Census Beport, 18S0.) 



8 Begistration states in 1900 were: Massachusetts, New Jersey, Connecticut, 

 Maine, Michigan, New York, New Hampshire, Bhode Island, Vermont, District 

 of Columbia and Indiana. Indiana is omitted in comparisons owing to lack of 

 uniformity in age distribution records. 



