170 Inquiry into the Principles according to which 
state of solvency. Comparatively little blame, however, could 
be attached to the managers of any of them, as they were with- 
out any data from which to make calculations ; but it seemed 
evident, that their experience, if it could be collected, might af- 
ford good data for the guidance of similar societies in future. 
With this view, the Highland Society appointed a Committee, 
Mr Oliphant, W. S., as Convener ; and, in 1820, schedules 
were prepared and circulated in most parts of Scotland, accom- 
panied with an exemplification, to enable members of societies 
to fill them up with accuracy, and with the least possible trouble 
to themselves. The Highland Society also offered premiums 
for the most distinct and satisfactory returns. By the end of 
1822 returns were received from upwards of 70 societies, com- 
prising the experience of about 7000 persons, which, when mul- 
tiplied by the number of years during which they respectively 
were members, gives more than 100,000 results. The di- 
gesting and arranging of these, as well as the subsequent calcu- 
lation of a great number of Tables founded upon them, was un- 
dertaken by Mr John Lyon, Governor of Watson's Hospital, 
a gentleman well qualified for such a task ; and in the execution 
of which, he had the advice and assistance of a number of gen- 
tlemen of great experience, as calculators. 
The average annual Sickness, to an individual, is thus given 
in the Report, 
Age. 
Sickness in weeks 
and Decimals. 
Under 20 
0.3797* 
20 to 30 
0.5916 
30 to 40 
0.6865 
40 to 50 
1.0274 
50 to 60 
1.8806 
60 to 70 
5.6337 
above 70 
16.5417* 
The total average sickness, experienced by a person who at- 
tains to the age of 70, during the 50 years from 20 to 70, is 
'98.197, or 98} weeks. But the quantum of sickness alone does 
not afford sufficient data for the formation of proper tables. 
Mortality must also be taken into the calculation ; and consider- 
» These being for indefinite terms of years, are not entitled to the same confi- 
dence as the intermediate Sickness, which is for uniform terms of 10 years. 
