John Graunt, born in London in 1620, is regarded as the father of modern statistics. His early career in haberdashery provided him with analytical skills that he applied to the collection of death records and public health data, pioneering a new field of study.
Graunt began recording details from the City of London bills of mortality, motivated by an interest that extended beyond the immediate scope of his business. His examination of death rates and causes exemplified early statistical methods and emphasized the need for systematic data collection in understanding public health.
The bills of mortality originated in the early 17th century due to urbanization in England, necessitating detailed records for tax and military purposes. Graunt contributed significantly to the understanding of population dynamics during this period by categorizing causes of death and highlighting trends.
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