Enkele historische betrekkingen tussen mathematische en verzamelende statistiek*

Abstract

SummarySome historical relations between mathematical and descriptive statistics.Both mathematical and descriptive statistics may be said to have commenced in the middle of the 17th century; the former with a correspondence between Pascal and F e r m at (1654), and the latter with the observations on bills of mortality by John G r aunt(1662). These early stages are discussed in some detail, while the development of the statistical argument in later periods is more briefly mentioned. In section 8 the present structure of statistical thought is summarized. In a concluding section, falling slightly outside the scope of the paper, some opinions prevailing in the 17th century concerning Holland and its people are quoted.