F. Galton to K. Pearson, 15th Feb. 1897.- External URL
- Correspondence Details
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Sent From (Definite): Sir Francis GaltonSent To (Definite): Karl PearsonDate: 15 Feb 1897
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Holder (Definite): University College London: Special Collections
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Sent fromSir Francis Galton
15 Feb 1897
Description:
‘My dear Prof. K. Pearson,
You will not, I am sure, doubt that I fully share the views that the future of biology lies mainly in exact treatment of [illeg.]quences of statistical material. The first thing is to get it.
Now the sub cttee seems to me better adapted than perhaps any other collection of men that could be formed, to do this. They represent between them the departments of mammals birds fishes & insects. They know the conditions of rearing of the existing workers, and they have the confidence of the latter.
I have already a considerable list of suggested experiments such as wd. be statistically servicable. The details of each wd. be of course a service[?] problem. So to be arranged that neither sterility nor disease shall interfere with it, and again, such as will lead to no ambiguous results.
After Tuesday’s meeting of the cttee it will be more easy than it is now to anticipate, but at present I am in high hopes that we shall ultimately succeed in the really important task of controlling, in a useful sense, a vast amount of existing work that is wasted for want of scientific sympathy, criticism and encouragement. It must always be bore in mind that we are dealing with human workers, who have their own ideas which must be respected & humoured, if we are to gain their cordial cooperation. We have, to speak rather grandly, statesmanship problems to deal with.
I trust we shall often have occasion to consult with you as to the best of alternative plans.
Just now, we must busy ourselves in finding out lines of least resistance in pushing forward our nascent work.
Very faithfully yrs
Francis Galton.’
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Sent toKarl Pearson
15 Feb 1897
Description:
‘My dear Prof. K. Pearson,
You will not, I am sure, doubt that I fully share the views that the future of biology lies mainly in exact treatment of [illeg.]quences of statistical material. The first thing is to get it.
Now the sub cttee seems to me better adapted than perhaps any other collection of men that could be formed, to do this. They represent between them the departments of mammals birds fishes & insects. They know the conditions of rearing of the existing workers, and they have the confidence of the latter.
I have already a considerable list of suggested experiments such as wd. be statistically servicable. The details of each wd. be of course a service[?] problem. So to be arranged that neither sterility nor disease shall interfere with it, and again, such as will lead to no ambiguous results.
After Tuesday’s meeting of the cttee it will be more easy than it is now to anticipate, but at present I am in high hopes that we shall ultimately succeed in the really important task of controlling, in a useful sense, a vast amount of existing work that is wasted for want of scientific sympathy, criticism and encouragement. It must always be bore in mind that we are dealing with human workers, who have their own ideas which must be respected & humoured, if we are to gain their cordial cooperation. We have, to speak rather grandly, statesmanship problems to deal with.
I trust we shall often have occasion to consult with you as to the best of alternative plans.
Just now, we must busy ourselves in finding out lines of least resistance in pushing forward our nascent work.
Very faithfully yrs
Francis Galton.’
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