THE CAMBRIDGE STATISTICS DISCUSSION GROUP
Monday 5th April 2004 7:15 for 7:45
The Large Seminar Room,
Institute of Public Health,
University Forvie Site,
Robinson Way,
Cambridge
Cambridge Statistics from Venn to Fisher and Beyond
Anthony Edwards,
Gonville and Caius,
Cambridge
Abstract:
The Cambridge statistical tradition can be traced back to A. de Morgan (4th
Wrangler 1827) and R.L.Ellis (Senior Wrangler 1840), both pupils of G.Peacock,
one of the founders of the Analytical Society. Through J.W.L.Glaisher we
arrive at J.Venn and his lectures on 'Theory of Statistics' in 1890 and on to
F.J.M.Stratton's lectures which influenced R.A.Fisher, E.S.Pearson and D.Brunt
(whose book 'The Combination of Observations' was based on them). G.Udny Yule
was appointed Lecturer in Statistics in 1912, succeeded by J.Wishart in 1931.
J.M.Keynes, H.Jeffreys, F.P.Ramsey, and R.A.Fisher dominated the scene after
the first world war, and, after the second, Wishart, M.S.Bartlett,
H.E.Daniels, F.J.Anscombe, D.V.Lindley and D.R.Cox. Fisher became Professor
of Genetics in 1943 and retired in 1957. Amongst his research students was
C.R.Rao. All this and as much more as time permits!
Speaker:
Anthony has just retired as Professor of Biometry. Denied a place to read
for the mathematical tripos by Trinity Hall in 1954 he was admitted as an
engineer but switched immediately to natural sciences, reading physics and
allied subjects in part I. He then changed to genetics for part II, thereby
becoming the only student taken on by R.A.Fisher in his last year as
Professor of Genetics. Returning to Cambridge in 1968 after spells in Italy
with L.L.Cavalli-Sforza, Stanford with W.F.Bodmer, and Aberdeen with
D.J.Finney, Anthony has been a long-term observer of the local statistical
scene.
Directions: (From Central Cambridge) Turn right off Hills Road into the
Addenbrooke's site then turn left at the hospital roundabout onto Robinson
Way. Follow Robinson Way until you see an access road on the left signed
'Forvie Site' (but note that the sign is on your right). Turn into the
access road and follow signs - first to the Institute and then to the
Large Seminar Room. There is ample car parking. Arrivals after 7:45 can gain
admittance by contacting the secretary on 07761769436.
Provisional Next Meetings:
13th May - Melanie Cooray (Statwood Partnership) on
'Statistical Considerations When Working for a CRO'.
October - Steve Brooks (Statistical Laboratory).
24th November - Simon Godsill (Dept. of Engineering).
Supper: Some members eat regularly in the University Centre before
each talk meeting in the downstairs bar at 5-30pm. Feel free to join them.
Subscriptions: of 4 pounds per member are now due for the 2003-2004 session.
Secretary: Peter Watson, MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit,
15 Chaucer Road, Cambridge CB2 2EF;telephone 01223 355294 Extension 801;
E-mail [log in to unmask]
