Quote by: Karl Pearson

The starting point of 's theory of evolution is precisely the existence of those differences between individual members of a race or species which morphologists for the most part rightly neglect. The first condition necessary, in order that any process of Natural Selection may begin among a race, or species, is the existence of differences among its members; and the first step in an enquiry into the possible effect of a selective process upon any character of a race must be an estimate of the frequency with which individuals, exhibiting any given degree of abnormality with respect to that, character, occur. The unit, with which such an enquiry must deal, is not an individual but a race, or a statistically representative sample of a race; and the result must take the form of a numerical statement, showing the relative frequency with which the various kinds of individuals composing the race occur.


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Author Bio


  • NameKarl Pearson
  • DescriptionEnglish mathematician and biometrician
  • BornMarch 27, 1857
  • DiedApril 27, 1936
  • CountryUnited Kingdom
  • ProfessionMathematician; Historian Of Mathematics; Statistician; Historian; Philosopher
  • AwardsFellow Of The Royal Society