In October 1961, the author wrote the editors a letter which was subsequently published (J.S.S.16, 481) urging the submission of articles which were only germs of ideas. Part of what follows has arisen out of earlier research, and part falls into the ‘germ’ category in the hope that it might give rise to future development.

Ever since the days when Makeham‘s formula appeared to have ceased to fit most mortality experiences, some actuaries have striven to find an ideal formula to take its place, and perhaps others have been interested. Even if such a formula were found, it might only be a matter of a short time before the shape of the mortality curve changes in such a way as to render that formula out-of-date too; but that is no reason for not continuing to strive.