[ 6 3 ] 
the country after 20, and probably, upon the whole, 
from double that number of births. I fhall only re- 
ply, let the number of births or perfons, natives or 
aliens, be what it will, from which the 242 arife, 
yet, in fome definite number, fuch and fo many in- 
flances of longevity are found, of which the prefent 
tables take no notice j and though the fa6t is mani- 
feft enough, yet the abfurdity, in refpedt to practice 
and formation of tables, hill continues. 
If we look back, we fhall find the firfl fketch, 
that of Capt. John (22) Graunt (alias Sir William 
(23) Petty) was formed upon 100 only, and fuch a 
table carried the account to the 80th year, or up- 
wards. Next were introduced thofe of 1000, and. 
extended the computation of life to between 84 and 
100 ; tables formed upon 10,000 would advance to 
above 1054 and upon 100,000, duly proportioned 
from the materials we have, might continue the ac- 
count to 1 1 y years, and upwards. If in the firft 
fketch, the fuppofed term of life was clofed too foon, 
and it was an improvement to carry on an account of 
tne gradual decay beyond the poth ye«r, why are 
we to refHiere, having additional obfervations made 
for more tnan 60 years, which furnifh materials for 
a further progrefs r If there is room, and good founda- 
tion to advance out 20 years beyond the compafs of 
the prefent tables, fhould not this be done? And. 
will it not make a confiderable, yet neceffary, altera- 
tion in all computed values, upon annuities to be 
granted to perfons in the latter part of life ? 
( 22 ) Graunt’s Obfervations, 
(? 3 J Phil. Tranf. N° 196. 
5 th edit. p. 84. 
I. have. 
