XII. The geometric mean, in vital and social statistics

My purpose is to show that an assumption which lies at the basis of the well-known law of “Frequency of Error” (commonly expressed by the formula y= e-h2x2), is incorrect in many groups of vital anti social phenomena, although that law has been applied to them by statisticians with partial success and corresponding convenience. Next, I will point out the correct hypothesis upon which a Law of Error suitable to these cases ought to be calculated; and subsequently I will communicate a memoir by Mr. Donald McAlister, who, at my suggestion, has mathematically investigated the subject.