The Council of the Institute of Actuaries are making a laudable attempt to collect such data as the Assurance Offices possess, with a view to determine the mean duration of human life in different parts of the Globe; and thence to ascertain the proper rate of premium to be charged in the several localities to which persons whose lives are assured may be desirous of proceeding. The almost entire absence of any authentic information upon this subject renders such a proceeding of the greatest importance and interest; since it is only by such means we can hope to be able to substitute, for the present uncertain and arbitrary charges, rates which are based upon actual experience, and which are justified by the circumstances of each particular case.