On the inaccuracies which probably exist in the census returns of ages

About this book

"On the Inaccuracies Which Probably Exist in the Census Returns of Ages" by Thomas A. Welton is a scientific publication written in the late 19th century. The work focuses on analyzing the inaccuracies in age reporting in census data in England and Wales, examining the dissimilarities in population growth rates across different age groups. The author employs various statistical tables to illustrate these discrepancies and proposes corrections for more accurate demographic insights. The opening of the book outlines Welton's study as he reflects on his earlier attempts to calculate death rates among specific age groups from the 1871 Census. He shares his findings that significant variations exist in the growth and decline of population by age, emphasizing the importance of accurate age reporting. Using tables, Welton illustrates how reported figures for certain age brackets appear exaggerated or understated due to factors like emigration and the tendency of individuals to round their age figures. The detailed statistical analysis sets the foundation for his subsequent arguments about the reliability of census data and the need for correct age representation for demographic assessments.