THE IMPORTANCE OF VITAL STATISTICS IN THE 
STUDY OF SOCIAL SCIENCE. 
BY GERSHOM H. HILL, M. D. 
Social science is now studied in all colleges and univer- 
sities. Professors who have qualified themselves by years 
of post graduate work both at home and abroad show 
pupils how to study history in a topical manner. Statis- 
tics, ancient and modern, are compared. Large and well 
stocked libraries are in demand. Public documents, re- 
ports of State institutions, both charitable and penal, are 
examined. The data desired are compiled and used. 
Inter-society and inter-collegiate debates, upon popular 
questions, are frequently held. The most learned men 
available are asked to be present and serve as judges. In 
the study of science, theories are admissible only when 
facts can not possibly be obtained. In the study of social 
science, statistics are indispensable. In order that they 
may be of greatest value they must be gathered and 
reported by discriminating and unbiased minds, at the 
same time they should be complete and accurate. Guess 
work and prejudice vitiate statistics. In addition to more 
than a dozen State institutions in Iowa, we have a State 
association of charities and correction. The work of look- 
ing after the poor and the otherwise unfortunate part of 
the population in the larger cities is now thoroughly 
organized; existing conditions are investigated, and dis- 
cretion is exercised in giving relief. Suitable homes are 
provided for orphans, for the aged, and for the “boys in 
blue.” The largest cities in this country, as well as many 
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