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V 
* Received March 3 , 1770. 
XXIV.* Observations on the proper Method of 
calculating the V allies of Reverfions depend- 
ing on Survivorjhips : By Richard Price, 
D. D. F. R. S. 
/ 
^/^LL queftions relating to the values 
Read May io, 
of lives and reverfions, are at prefent 
of particular importance in this kingdom. Much 
bufinefs is continually tranfa&ed in this wayj and 
any confiderable errors in the method of folving fuch 
quefiions muft in time produce very bad confequences. 
The defign of the following oblervations is, to point 
out a particular error, into which there is danger of 
falling, in finding the values of fuch reverfions as 
depend on furvivorfhips. In doing this, I fhall, in 
order to be as plain as poffible, take the 
cafe. 
following 
“ A, aged 40, expefls to come to the pofiefiion 
“ of an elfate, fhould he furvive B, aged likewife 
<c 40. In thefe circumfiances, he offers, in order to 
“ raife a prefent fum, to give fecurity for 40 /. perann. 
<e out of the efiate at his death , provided he fhould 
" get into pofiefiion ; that is, provided he fhould fur- 
vive B. What is the fum that ought now to be 
“ advanced 
