John Graunt

John Graunt (* April 24, 1620 in London, † April 18, 1674 ibid.) made ​​a significant contribution to systematic data collection and data analysis and is considered an important precursor of modern statistics.

Life and work

Graunt was one of the founders of demographics, even though he was a dry goods salesman. Together with William Petty, he developed early statistical and census methods that form the basis of modern demography. Graunt calculated in 1662 the first life table, giving for the first time at each age survival probabilities. He is also seen as one of the first experts in epidemiology, since his famous book was concerned in the first line of health statistics.

In his book Natural and Political Observations Made upon the Bills of Mortality ( 1662), he analyzed the mortality directories in London. This was based on the trial of the King of England, Charles the Second, and other officials to install a warning system for the occurrence and spread of plague in the city. Although this never succeeded zufriedendstellend, Graunt's work led to the first statistically based estimate of the population of London.

The quality of his work and his presentation at the Royal Society in 1662 earned him membership in the Royal Society a. Originally, the members of the Royal Society did not elect him as a member, since he was just a dry goods salesman. Only under the direction of the king they overcame their concerns and chose him.

After taking in the Royal Society Graunt converted to Catholicism, although the pressure on Catholics increased in this period. As a result, he was also accused by the Great Fire of London to be involved. As a consequence of the prosecution he lost his job at a water company. Without further financial support impoverished Graunt and died at the age of 53 years to jaundice and liver disease.

Works

  • Natural and Political Observations Mentioned in a Following Index, and made ​​upon the Bills of Mortality, 1665 ( digitized version ) (Eng. Natural and Political notes on the death lists of London 1702)
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