A formula for expressing the decrement of human life. In a letter addressed to Sir Edward Hyde East, Bart. M. P. F. R. S. By Thomas Young, M. D. For. Sec. R. S
The author first observes that an opinion is generally prevalent, of a decided increase in the average duration of human life in many parts of Europe ; but he yet regards it as probable that this improvement has been much exaggerated, partly on account of the limited number of persons on whom the observations have been made, and partly from erroneous views respecting the profits of assurance companies. He then examines the evidence on which this opinion rests, and gives a comparative statement of the annual average of mortality, the mean term of full life, and the mean age of mankind, according to a great number of different authorities ; and considers that a prolongation of life to the extent of one year in eight, is a much fairer estimate than one in three, which some have maintained, even on the limited grounds of the experience on which they have reasoned.