4.7 Content of statistics renewed

In the early decades of population statistics no great changes were made to the forms concerning population changes. In 1773 the statistics produced on births improved substantially when collection of information on those having given birth was started according to the age of mother by five-year age group. While statistical forms had previously inquired about the number of baptisms, now the question concerned the actual number of births.

In addition, diseases were added to the classification of causes of deaths, and in 1777 the clergy were given descriptions of their characteristic features. This greatly improved their ability to categorise diseases correctly.

Although the content of statistics was found to be deficient, it took time to implement any reforms. After 1773 amendments were next made to the content of statistical forms in 1802. As regards marriages contracted, from then on questions were made about the previous marital status, i.e. unmarried or widowed.

The greatest modifications in the following years concerned the cause of death classification and social class tables. In addition, different statistical forms were drawn up for town and countryside primarily to ensure acquisition of information on means of livelihood.