Probability and Statistics: The Science of Uncertainty

The History of Mathematics

by John Tabak

Presents the historical development of probability and statistics and some of their present-day applications in communications, safety analysis, epidemiology, and actuarial science.

Genres: Nonfiction, Science

226 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 2004

Reviews

[Tyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[BookSweetie · Rating 3 out of 5]

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grab another book in the series to update my knowledge in another field where my education has been deficient, outdated, or possibly absent altogether!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 · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.