Observations on Mr. R. M. Johnston's vital statistics

Abstract

"The course of investigation has led to the discovery that there is a coincidence between the minimum and maximum sun-spot periods and the death-rates, and again, with the position of the planet Jupiter in his orbit. The maximum sun-spot period appears to be when Jupiter is between aphelion and perihelion; and this corresponds with the lowest death-rate, that is, when the depression in the diagram is greatest. On the other hand, the minimum sun-spot period appears to be when Jupiter is at perihelion, and this corresponds with the highest point of the diagram of the death-rate, etc." That there is some connection between such solar disturbances and the electrical condition of our globe seems to be well established. I think it, therefore, not unreasonable to expect that our mortality curve should be affected from this cause. Unfortunately, our statistics do not extend sufficiently far back to either establish or disprove that any relationship exists between them and either sun-spots or Jupiter's position.