From a scientific perspective, a region’s population is a fascinating subject. It is far more than just a collection of people living in one area; by studying a specific population, one can learn a great deal about its underlying economic, social, geographical, and biological factors. Read more about at edinburgh1.one.
Throughout the history of science, new figures have emerged who dedicated their lives to the study of populations—in other words, to demography. This article explores the life of a Scottish scientist who was deeply interested in the principles of population development. Through his work, he became the architect of indirect methods for estimating mortality and fertility, even when using incomplete and inaccurate data. That man was William Brass.
Early Years
The future scientist was born in Edinburgh. He began his education at the prestigious Royal High School. After completing his school years, William became a student at the University of Edinburgh. In 1947, he earned a Master’s degree in Natural Philosophy and Mathematics.
Scientific Activity
Brass’s interest in demography did not emerge immediately. He began to engage with the science in 1948, when he held the post of statistician, and later Deputy Director, at the East African Statistical Department in Nairobi. His role involved collecting and analysing data for Tanganyika, Kenya, Zanzibar, and Uganda. During his tenure, the Department was able to conduct a complete census of East Africa.
A New Stage
The year 1955 marked the beginning of Brass’s teaching career. From then until 1964, he lectured in statistics at the University of Aberdeen. He spent his sabbatical at Princeton University, where he collaborated with other scientists to develop methods for overcoming the challenge of poor-quality demographic data from Africa.
The East Africa Breakthrough
When considering William’s scientific career, it is clear that East Africa was the region where it all began for him. It was there that he developed a methodology to obtain statistics on fertility, mortality, and population growth, even from incomplete and imperfect data. The scientist also created a method of using very simple questions to obtain the necessary information. For example, respondents could be asked whether both of their parents were still alive, or only one. Based on these answers, it was possible to conduct robust demographic research.
Beyond this, William was also interested in population modelling and British demography. He analysed the role of female employment and correctly predicted that the high birth rates among immigrant communities in the 1970s could not be sustained.
Legacy
Demography is a science that requires immense attention to detail. To conduct a thorough study of any population group demands great patience, ensuring that not a single detail is missed. This was a skill William Brass mastered brilliantly. The scientist produced excellent results, developing valuable techniques and making unique predictions. His methods and the data he produced subsequently became enormously important to the demographers who continued his work, studying and researching populations around the world.
Brass passed away on 11 November 1999, but his name is etched into the history of the vital and fascinating science of demography.