, contagious, acute, and chronical, applying this distinction to
parishes, in order to know how the different situation, soil, and
way of living in each parish doth dispose men to each of the said
three species; and in the weekly bills we take notice not only of
the plague, but of the other contagious diseases in each parish,
that strangers and fearful persons may thereby know how to dispose
of themselves.
4. We mention the number of the people, as the fundamental term in
all our proportions; and without which all the rest will be almost
fruitless.
5. We mention the number of marriages made in every quarter, and in
every year, as also the proportion which married persons bear to the
whole, expecting in such observations to read the improvement of the
nation.
6. As for religions, we reduce them to three--viz.: (1) those who
have the Pope of Rome for their head; (2) who are governed by the
laws of their country; (3) those who rely respectively upon their
own private judgments. Now, whether these distinctions should be
taken notice of or not, we do but faintly recommend, seeing many
reasons pro and con for the same; and, therefore, although we have
mentioned it as a matter fit to be considered, yet we humbly leave
it to authority.
TWO ESSAYS IN POLITICAL ARITHMETIC,
Concerning the People, Housing, Hospitals, &c., of London and Paris.
TO THE KING'S MOST EXCELLENT MAJESTY.
I do presume, in a very small paper, to show your Majesty that your
City of London seems more considerable than the two best cities of
the French monarchy, and for aught I can find, greater than any
other of the universe, which because I can say without flattery, and
by such demonstration as your Majesty can examine, I humbly pray
your Majesty to accept from
Your Majesty's
Most humble, loyal, and obedient subject,
WILLIAM PETTY.
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