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By comparing the mean deaths occurring at each age period in 1891-5 with the deaths which
would have occurred at these age periods if the death rates of 1881-90 had still been maintained, the
difference between the two sets of figures will be the number of lives gained or lost at each age-period by
fluctuations of mortality, and by applying to these differences the figures in the preceding table the
actual pain or loss may be expressed in "life capital."

This table shows, therefore, that during the period 1891-5, as compared with the decennium
1881-90, there has been a mean annual saving of 1,304 lives, and that this represents 85,519 years
of " life capital" annually saved to the community. The actual gain to the community is therefore
greater than appears from the number of lives saved, and this is apparent when the great saving of
life at the earlier ages shown in the table is considered. Similar treatment of the period 1891-4
showed a mean annual saving of 1,042 lives and 79,606 years of " life capital."
Infant mortality.
The deaths of children under one year of age in the administrative county of London during
1895 numbered 22,087, being in the proportion of 165 per 1,000 births.

London had therefore a lower infant mortality in 1885-94 than all these towns except West
Ham and Bristol, and in 1895 than all except Bristol.
*See footnote (1), page 10.