The Statistical Mind in a Pre-statistical Era: The Netherlands 1750-1850 - Softcover

Reseña del editor

The inclination to view issues in statistical terms and its development in the pre-statistical era between 1750-1850 is validated in this landmark study. A quantifying spirit began to develop during the eighteenth century that manifested itself in numerous distinct areas, such as mathematics, astronomy, standards of living, mortality, water levels, population, taxation, finance, insurance, trade, and crime. This study is the first to analyze measurement, theoretical statistics, and statistical activity as one phenomenon in all aspects. It has profited from the expertise of a variety of qualified historians: economic and social historians, historians of demography, of natural science, of mathematics, and of law. The contributors pay attention to the extent to which a typically Dutch statistical mind developed, while at the same time providing insight into the nature of influences from abroad and their possible interactions.