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18
The facts are as follows :—
(1) Since 1850, up to 1910, the number dying based on
a constant population has decreased. From that date the
figures are disturbed for males, but for females they seem to
have reached a minimum.
(2) The chance of an individual dying of phthisis to the
exclusion of other diseases seems to have decreased, but the
rate of decline is much reduced during the last 25 years
amongst males. With respect to females, however, the
figures seem to have remained at a fixed point since 1900.
(3) Before 1865, females were mainly concerned, and
after that year males take predominance.
This last fact seems to suggest that the decline may be
associated with a considerable decrease in the stress and strain of
life during the last 100 years. It is of interest that the fall in
the real birth-rate commences about 1860, and as it affects females
only it may account for the change.
The pqssible relationship tot real wagtes is of interest.
(1) From about 1867 to 1900, real wages in this country
nearly exactly doubled. Total incomes from profit of various
kinds increased during that period nearly as far and as fast.
The rise in wages was due in part to nominal additions to
their rate, but a nearly steady fall in prices kept raising
real wages faster than nominal wages. That fall in prices
stopped in 1895, but rises in nominal wages rather more than
kept step with the rise in prices from 1895 to 1900. During
that period (1857-1895) mortality from tuberculosis
diminished, as we all know, but mainly during the earlier
period, and was dependent on an increased life expectancy.
(2) From 1900 to 1914, nominal wages kept rising, but
prices rose faster. Real wages accordingly fell, and were,
by 1914, about 10 per cent, under 1900. As we all know,