6 " THE HEALTH OF H013AHT. " 



1887, a simple method was iutrodiiccd by me for correcting 

 the misleading total death-rate for all ap^es where livings at;e- 

 groups in ditierent places or times differ in proportion with 

 each other respectively. This method has the effect of con- 

 verting the ordinary death-rate into a most effective Com- 

 parative Health Standard, and has received the commendation 

 of our leading' authorities in vital statistics, and has since been 

 widely adopted. 



The method referred to divides the ages living into three 

 principal groups — 0-5, 5-65, 65 and over; and as it has 

 been ascertained bv reference to the average numbers living- in 

 different countries that these groups constantly bear the pro- 

 portion to each other of 3, 18, 1, nearly, these simple 

 numbers were selected as the best and most convenient for 

 converting the ordinary misleading death-rate for All Ages into 

 a most effective and truthful Health Standard. 



The method for effecting this correction as used in the pre- 

 ceding table of comparison was illustrated as follows : — 



Let A = Proportion of ages living — 5 years = 3 

 B = „ „ 5 — 65 „ =18 



C = ,, „ 65 and over = 1 



R* == Death-rate actually yielded by ages living — 5 

 R" = „ „ „ 5 — 65 



R*= = „ „ „ 65 and over 



D = Relative or Comparative Health Standard for 

 all ages. 



A R» + B Rb 4- C R^ 

 Then A-f B + C = ^ 



By this method the superior health condition of Hobarl 

 Suburbs is revealed in comparison with the City. Notwith- 

 standing (owing to the abnormal proportion of ages 65 and 

 over in the former), the total death-rate of the Suburbs was 

 22*44 per 1000 living, while the City only showed 16*36 per 

 1000 living ; the correction for age disproportion having the 

 effect of reducing the former to 16*63 per 1000 living, and 

 increasing the latter to 17*10 per 1000 living. The limitation 

 to deaths under 65 years of age is also most significant in con- 

 firming the accuracy of the Health Standard as a true measure 

 of Relative Health. 



Ordinary Total Death-rate disregards Longevity. 



But the fundamental objection to all unqualified Total 

 Death-rate indices, when used as Comparative Health 



