Some Statistical Applications of Poisson's Work

Abstract

Statistical applications and repercussions of Poisson's work are reviewed in historical perspective with special reference to (i) the distinction he made between two kinds of probability; (ii) the law of large numbers; (iii) the Poisson distribution; (iv) the difference between two proportions; (v) legalistic statistics; (vi) Poisson's summation formula; (vii) the Cauchy distribution; and (viii) the Poisson bracket.