Historical economic growth has been repeatedly interpreted in numerous academic

publications without carrying out a proper, scientific analysis of data. The study described
here presents the first ever scientific analysis of the excellent data published by Maddison,
the well-known authority in this field of study. The analysis shows that the current numerous
interpretations of the historical economic growth are not supported by data. In particular, it
demonstrates that the Unified Growth Theory, which represents the culmination of all these,
ages-long, interpretations of the mechanism of the economic growth is contradicted by the
same data, which were used in its development. The presented discussion represents an
important breakthrough in the economic growth research. It changes the currently accepted
paradigm and it directs economic growth research into productive, scientifically supported,
channels.