Demography in Early America : Beginnings of the Statistical Mind, 1600-1800

Since then many scholars have contributed, albeit unknowingly, to the substance of this work, as I gladly acknowledge in the bibliography. Others have contributed more directly by their generous responses to my questions about specific matters. Their observations have often helped materially in defining or presenting the project as well as in identifying materials. Particular help and encouragement has come from Drs. Whitfield J. Bell, Jr., William G. McLoughlin, and Richard H. Shryock. Librarians at many institutions both in the United States and Great Britain have also given me unstinting aid and advice. Mrs. Barbara S. Cassedy has helped materially in the preparation of the manuscript. Dr. Conrad Taeuber was kind enough to read and comment upon it in its entirety. Preface Contents Chapter I. The Demographic Factor in an Age of Colonization Chapter II. Vital Events of a Puritan Community Chapter III. Colonization and Political Arithmetic 1660-1700 Chapter IV. All the King's Men: Counting Souls 1660-1775 Chapter V. Divine Order and Vital Human Events Chapter VI. Colonial Bills of Mortality 1700-1775 Chapter VII. Virgin Land, Teeming Women Chapter VIII. The Numerical Basis of Revolt Chapter IX. The Statistical Mind in the New Nation Chapter Χ. Length of Human Life in the Garden Chapter XI. The Statistical Approach to Disease Epilogue Bibliographical Notes Index Here is the first in-depth examination of the historical development of statistical concepts and practices in America. Covering the period 1600–1800, the author deals with demography in its economic, political, and social aspects. In particular, James Cassedy is concerned with the development of the health-related and scientific aspects of demography and carefully examines such significant facts as the establishment of parish registers and church records and colonial legislation pertaining to vital statistics. The Demographic Factor In An Age Of Colonization -- Vital Events Of A Puritan Community -- Colonization And Political Arithmetic, 1660-1700 -- All The King's Men : Counting Souls, 1660-1775 -- Divine Order And Vital Human Events -- Colonial Bills Of Mortality, 1700-1775 -- Virgin Land, Teeming Women -- The Numerical Basis Of Revolt -- The Statistical Mind In The New Nation -- Length Of Human Life In The Garden -- The Statistical Approach To Disease. [by] James H. Cassedy. Bibliography: P. [311]-338.