On the inaccuracies which probably exist in the census returns of ages

"On the Inaccuracies Which Probably Exist in the Census Returns of Ages" by Thomas A. Welton, studies census data from England and Wales to find mistakes in how people reported their ages. Published in the late 1800s, the work highlights differences in how quickly different age groups grew or shrank in numbers. Welton uses statistical tables to show that there's a problem, and suggests ways to fix the inaccurate information. He begins by remembering his research, noting significant population changes within age groups. The author points out that the numbers for some age groups are likely too high or low, maybe because of people moving away or rounding their ages. This careful look at the numbers forms his argument that census information isn't perfect and that we need better age data for understanding the population.