Graphical Visions from William Playfair to John Tukey

Abstract

This paper discusses the similarities and differences in Playfair and Tukey's visions of what graphically displaying quantitative phenomena can do now, and might do in the future. As part of this discussion we examine: (1) how fundamental graphic tools have become to the scientist, (2) three instances where modern views of graphics are unchanged since Playfair's time, and (3) one area where there has been a change. The paper concludes with a discussion of five important areas of current and future graphic concern.