The probability generating functional

This paper is concerned with certain aspects of the theory and application of the probability generating functional (p.g.fl) of a point process on the real line. Interest in point processes has increased rapidly during the last decade and a number of different approaches to the subject have been expounded (see for example [6], [11], [15], [17], [20], [25], [27], [28]). It is hoped that the present development using the p.g.ff will calrify and unite some of these viewpoints and provide a useful tool for solution of particular problems.