That a Society be established in the name of The Statistical Society of London, the object of which shall be the collection and classification of all facts illustrative of the present condition and prospects of society, especially as it exists in the British Dominions.

... the state of education in a portion of the parishes of London.

... to collect a statistical account of the various strikes and combinations which have existed in different parts of the United Kingdom for the purpose of altering the rate of wages, and of introducing new regulations between masters and men. Such accounts to exhibit the condition of workmen at the time of the commencement of the strike or combination, and the terms and conditions upon which they resumed work; showing also, as far as the same can be statistically stated, the permanent effects of the several disputes upon the character and condition of the workmen.

... for the purpose of collecting the Statistics of Life, embracing enumerations of Births, Deaths, and Marriages; and Population, with or without distinction of age, sex, climate, or occupations. To point out the defects in existing observations; to suggest improved forms and methods of gathering Statistics of Life ...

The Council of the Statistical Society of London is of the opinion that the time has arrived when the Fellows of the Society, and the public, will hail with satisfaction the appearance of a Journal devoted to the collection and comparison of facts which illustrate the condition of mankind, and tend to develop the principles by which the progress of society is determined.

It is within the last few years only that the Science of Statistics has been at all actively pursued in this country; and it may not, even now, be unnecessary to explain to general readers its objects, and to define its province. The word Statistics is of German origin, and is derived from the word staat, signifying the same as our English word state, or a body of men existing in a social union. Statistics, therefore, may be said, in the words of the prospectus of this Society, to be the ascertaining and bringing together of those "facts which are calculated to illustrate the condition and prospects of society;" and the object of Statistical Science is to consider the results which they produce, with the view to determine those principles upon which the well-being of society depends.

And whereas it has been represented to Us that the same Society has, since its establishment, sedulously pursued such its proposed objects, and by its publications (including those of its transactions), and by promoting the discussion of legislative and other public measures from the statistical point of view, has greatly contributed to the progress of statistical and economic science.

And whereas distinguished individuals in foreign countries, as well as many eminent British subjects, have availed themselves of the facilities offered by the same Society for communicating important information largely extending statistical knowledge; and the general interest now felt in Statistics has been greatly promoted and fostered by this Society.

And whereas the same Society has, in aid of its objects, collected a large and valuable library of scientific works and charts, to which fresh accessions are constantly made; and the said Society had hitherto been supported by annual and other subscriptions and contributions to its funds, and has lately acquired leasehold premises in which the business of the said Society is carried on. ....

The objective of papers is to contribute to the understanding of statistical methodology and/or to develop and improve statistical methods.

... publishes papers whose appeal lies in their subject-matter rather than their technical statistical content. Medical, social, educational, legal, demographic and governmental issues are of particular concern.