any changes in classification or improvement in diagnosis is largely overcome. The most reliable records available for this purpose, giving age divisions in 1880, are those of Massachusetts. While the death rates in childhood and early adult life are relatively small, they too show a significant increase.
Included in this group are apoplexy, paralysis and diseases of the heart, circulatory system, kidneys and liver.[1]
The most important of the other diseases of middle life and old age that has increased is cancer. Comparing 1910 with 1880, the cancer death rate has increased in Massachusetts 66 per cent.; since 1900 it has increased 31 per cent. External cancer alone has increased in the entire registration area 55 per cent, since 1900.[2]
In 16 cities the mortality rate from organic heart, apoplexy and kidney affections alone has increased in 30 years from 17.94 to 34.78, or 94 per cent.; during 10 years (1900-1910) it increased from 29.4 to 34.78, or 18 per cent. In New Jersey, 1880-1910, it increased from 16.5 to 34.3, or 108 per cent.
The curves vary in different states and cities, but the same general trend is observed wherever statistics relating to these causes of death are available.
General Death Rate—Older Age Groups
In 1880 the comparisons are confined to Massachusetts and New Jersey, and to 16 registration cities, because in these areas we have the most reliable statistics[3] of that time, from which these comparisons can be carried through to 1910. Both of these were normal mortality years,[4] and, it is believed, represent a fair average of the preceding five-year periods.
That this upward tendency has continued is indicated by a comparison of ten registration states[5] 1900-1910. Increases: ages 45-49,
- ↑ The estimated deaths in 1910 from these diseases in the United States (based upon the Beg. area) were 367,700.
- ↑ U. S. Mortality Statistics, 1900, Census Bulletin 109, 1910.
- ↑ "The state and municipal registration records were copied and are used in the tabulations instead of the enumerators' schedules. These state and municipal registration records are based on a system of burial permits, and are therefore, probably very nearly accurate. This fact should be borne in mind in comparing the reported mortality of these with that of other localities." (U. S. Census Report, 1880.)
- ↑ "The census year 1879-80 was probably a fair average year as regards mortality. No great epidemic occurred during this period, unless we may consider a marked prevalence of diphtheria as such." (U. S. Census Report, 1880.)
- ↑ Registration states in 1900 were: Massachusetts, New Jersey, Connecticut, Maine, Michigan, New York, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, District of Columbia and Indiana. Indiana is omitted in comparisons owing to lack of uniformity in age distribution records.
