Published by Primary Source Microfilm

The Dublin Social Inquiry and Statistical Society began life as the Dublin Statistical Society in 1847. Its purpose, in common with other statistical societies of the period, was the study of social problems and their alleviation.

The Dublin Statistical Society was one of the foremost reform groups in 19th and early 20th century Ireland. It debated many of the important Irish issues from the great depression of the Irish famine to the struggle for an independent Irish state. Irish railways, street lighting, improved sanitation, hospital improvements, education of women, the regulation of Friendly societies, the care of the mentally handicapped, the production of sugar from sugar beet and the condition of small farmers all attracted papers read at the meetings of the Society.

The topical interest of the papers read at the Society's meetings reflected the current concerns of the period. Researchers involved in history, law, social science and intellectual history will find the proceedings of the Society a starting point for any research on Ireland relative to the Parliamentary papers of the period.

At an international level, the Dublin Statistical Society attracted great interest. By addressing international issues, international approaches and experiences were brought to bear in Irish problems. Historians will find the proceedings of the Society an important historical document of the period not only in the collection and analysis of statistical information, but also in the prescription of law reforms to solve particular problems. The evidence from the proceedings forms an important part of the Irish contribution to 19th century thought.

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