Some British Empiricists in the Social Sciences, 1650–1900

The development of economic, demographic and social statistics in the British Isles from the mid-seventeenth century to the end of the nineteenth.

Richard Stone (Author)

9780521571456, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 7 May 1998

528 pages
25.5 x 17.3 x 4.5 cm, 1.36 kg

This book describes the development of economic, demographic and social statistics in the British Isles from the mid-seventeenth century to the end of the nineteenth as represented by the work of twelve pioneers in these fields. Its most distinctive feature is its tables, which bring together in clear and succinct form an impressive body of data collected from a large number of disparate sources and are complemented by an exhaustive description of their historical context. An important aspect of the book is the short biographies that open each chapter and bring to life the personalities of its central characters.

First Lecture: the Political Arithmeticians: 1. William Petty and the birth of national accounting
2. Charles Davenant and the analysis of taxes
3. Gregory King and the development of economic statistics
Second Lecture: Progress in Economic Statistics: 4. William Fleetwood and the birth of index numbers
5. Arthur Young and the concept of value added
6. Patrick Colquhoun and the accounts of the British Empire
Third Lecture: Demography and Vital Statistics: 7. John Graunt and the birth of demographic statistics
8. Edmond Halley and the first life table
9. William Farr and the development of vital statistics
Fouth Lecture: Quantitative Social Studies: 10. Frederick Morton Eden and the poor of England
11. Florence Nightingale and hospital reform
12. Charles Booth and the London working classes
Comments
Richard Stone: an autobiographical sketch
Bibliography of Richard Stone's works.

Subject Areas: Economic theory & philosophy [KCA]