P. Chalmers Mitchell et al.: On Longevity and Relative Viability in Mammals and Birds; with a Note on the Theory of Longevity

P. Chalmers Mitchell M.A., D.Sc, LL.D., F.R.S.: On Longevity and Relative Viability in Mammals and Birds; with a Note on the Theory of Longevity.
In: Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London Volume 81, Issue 2, pages 425–548, June 1911.

Link: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1096-3642.1911.tb01942.x/pdf

Zitat :

INTRODUCTION
Animals are mortal and we know that death comes to them after durations of life that differ much in different individuals and species. Unfortunately, except in the rarest cases, it is impossible to obtain information as to the relation of life in wild animals. Enquiry into the frequency of death in domesticated animals, or in animals in captivity, is therefore of scientific and practical interest. From the scientific point of view, it is the
only mode of getting any kind of information as to constitutional differences in longevity and viability. From the practical point of view, it is the only way of judging of the effect on duration of life of the different kinds of environment to which nnimala may be subjected. There exists as yet very little recorded information, and I hope that this memoir ma,y at least stimulate enquiry and make possible the collection and comparison of data.
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