Mortality Patterns in National Populations: With Special Reference to Recorded Causes of Death aims to interpret the account left by millions of death certificates that have been recorded in 43 nations. The book discusses a ""model"" of the cause structure of mortality at various levels of mortality from all causes combined; the effect of various causes on the chances of death and longevity; and the contribution of economic factors to declines in mortality during the 20th century. The text also describes the causes of death and age patterns of mortality; the causes of death responsible for variation in sex mortality differentials; and the demographic and social consequences of various causes of death in the United States. Demographers and ecologists will find the book invaluable.