The Journal of the Statistical Society is a monthly periodical,
intended to contain a narrative of time proceedings of the Society,
and of the provincial institutions of a similar kind with which it h abstracts of Parlia- reviews of statistical is in correspondence. It will also public mentary Reports and public documents,
works, and " communications on statistical subjects." The con- tents of the First Number are sufficiently numerous, and of at least nominal variety ; the character of the papers useful, but dry—unless Mr. KAY'S article on Pauper Schools be ex. cepted. The compilers or authors are confused in view, and awkward in manner ; not sensible, but trying to seem so. This is the solemn sort of trilling they put forth even in their Intro- duction. " The word Statistics is of German origin ; and is de- rived from the word stoat, signifying the same as our English word state, or a body of men existing in a social union." The mix- ture of the puerile and the pedagogue style in this is evident, but even its truth may be questioned. The derivative origin of the word, we think, is status, the root sto. Statist is used by MILTON inthe sense of statesman, derived legitimately from state; but the modern use of the term seems evidently to come from the verb " to state." The matter is of no great importance ; but when a body, claiming authority, puts forth any thing albeit in a twad- dling way, it should not be open to question. One praiseworthy feature of the work, however, is undoubted—its cheapness : and the reader will bear in mind that our previous criticism refers to its literary merits. As a collection of furls, which can in no other way be readily attained, the publication will be very useful.
Previous page
