o n i g h t we mark the ninetieth anniversary of the first meeting, on March 5,1866, of the Board of Health of the City of New York. It is not my intent to provide a lengthy discussion of vital statistics in 1866 and their compari son with the present day. Much literature on long-term trends in birth and death rates is already available and the phenome nal changes that have occurred are quite familiar. The occa sion, rather, offers the opportunity to discuss the changes in vital statistics practices that New York City has introduced during recent years, and to outline briefly some of the other aspects of the Department of Health's statistical program. A ninetieth anniversary is perhaps an appropriate time to take a look at ourselves. Even a little " pointing with pride" may be forgiven on a birthday. Some of you will be familiar with much that I am going to say; all of you, I hope, will get some insight into what the Department of Health is trying to do in its statistical program. Because of time restrictions, it will necessarily be a sketchy and limited view. Basic research, such as that conducted by the Public Health Research Insti tute, is not included in this discussion. As an operating agency, we place emphasis naturally on statistics needed for program planning, administration, and evaluation. Constant promotion of the use of modem statistical methods by the several bureaus of the Department has been part of the job. Most of the bu reaus now prepare simple and routine statistical reports on the basis of established patterns. Experienced professional statis tical time is hence largely reserved for assistance in designing