24 JANUARY 1936, Page 16

A Hundred Years Ago

" THE SPECTATOR," jANITARY 23RD, 1838. LONGEVITY OF ENGLISHMEN. SIR—However fatal the severe weather of winter generally proves to individuals of advanced age, the present season has been marked by an unusual mortality among that class. In proof of this, I would particularly refer to the obituary in the two last numbers of your valuable Paper, without saying any thing of other records containing similar information. On examining the deaths therein mentioned, having the ages attached, I find eighteen reported, from which the following very remarkable sununary is obtained,— namely, one lived above 73 years of age, three above 75, four above 80, five above 85, two above 90, and three attained the age of 95 and upwards. That so many old persons have died in the short period just mentioned, is certainly curious ; but it nevertheless constitutes very strong evidence as to the longevity of Englishmen, and the very healthy nature of their climate. I question much, if in any other country the same singular and conclusive facts could be collated together ; and they most completely, refute the idle asser- tions of ignorant grumblers and self-expatriated voluptuaries, when abusing the excellent though variable climate of England, with which, all things considered, neither France nor famed Italy can be placed in comparison.—Your very faithful servant, A PHYSICIAN.