I found, that in Germany they were engaged in a species of political inquiry, to which they had given the name of Statistics … by Statistical is meant in Germany, an inquiry for the purpose of ascertaining the political strength of a country, or questions respecting matters of state … the idea I annex to the term, is an inquiry into the state of a country, for the purpose of ascertaining the quantum of happiness enjoyed by its inhabitants, and the means of its future improvement; yet, as I thought that a new word might attract more public attention, I resolved on adopting it.
That quote comes from "The statistical account of Scotland: Drawn up from the communications of the ministers of the different parishes. By Sir John Sinclair 1791–1799".
Links
Sir John Sinclair's vision for The Statistical Accounts Of Scotland
Measuring national well-being
