Ferri (1883) hypothesized that: 1) suicide & homicide rates were negatively associated over time; & 2) that yearly fluctuations of these rates were negatively associated. The present study tests these hypotheses by examining US suicide & homicide rates from 1940-1989. In both instances, statistical analysis show the correlation to be positive & not negative as predicted by Ferri. American suicide & homicide rates since 1940 do not confirm Ferri’s hypothesis. (2 refs.)