Probability And Statistics: The Science Of Uncertainty

The History of Mathematics

by John Tabak

A detailed look at the many aspects of a key branch of mathematical investigation.

Probability deals with measuring the likelihood of a particular outcome or event. Statistics is the collection, tabulation, and systematic classification of data, especially for use in predicting probable future trends. Crude ideas of probability and statistics likely evolved with the earliest humans, helping them decide where to go in search of food, shelter, and safety. Today's theories and methods of probability and statistics enable people to collect and analyze information relating to more complex situations than in the past, such as the prevalence or incidence of diseases among a group of people, and to make decisions calculated to result in a certain outcome.

Probability and Statistics provides a detailed look at the many aspects of this branch of mathematical investigation. Covering everything from ancient games of chance played around the world and the theories of Fermat and Pascal to phrenology, the specious use of statistics, and statistical methods to stop epidemics, this book offers a comprehensive look at the historical development and uses of probability and statistics. Modern applications of these ideas, the use of probability in modern safety analysis and phone networks, and the use of statistics in epidemiology and actuarial science are also presented in this clearly written and illustrated reference.

Genres: Nonfiction, Science

226 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2004

Reviews

[Tyler]

It was a good book, in my opinion it was more of a history.

[BookSweetie]

I discovered a whole series of unfortunately overlooked volumes in the young adult section of the library and decided to learn something about the history of ideas-- in this case, the development of probability and statistics in a sort of historical who's who approach. The book is surprisingly readable given the quantitative nature of the subjects. The writer provides a glimpse into the contributions and personal backgrounds of a series of men (no women seem to have made it into this field) from philosophers, astronomers, preachers, and physicists among others, all of whom played a role in developing over time the ideas in these new fields of mathematics. Reading small doses worked out well enough for this NON-MATHEMATICIAN NON-SCIENTIST that I would definitely grab another book in the series to update my knowledge in another field where my education has been deficient, outdated, or possibly absent altogether! There are multiple fields to choose from.

[Al]

Treading the history of statistics and probability, the author reveals the biography of those responsible for their developments and convergences, clarifying the needs that justified the whole process of their discoveries and invention.
Written for the layman, the use of technical terms is done only when necessary, and presents chronology and glossary at the end of the work.