Why Statistics And Other Essays

The subject of Statistics has two different aspects. On one side Statistics consists of facts collected for administrative purposes or State-Craft in its widest sense. On the other hand Statistical methods constitute the science of counting and taking measurements and interpreting the results. In these essays both these aspects have been discussed. In one of the essays he has thrown out a warning which is very relevant to the Statisticians all over the World. There is a tendency in certain quarters of India and in other Countries also, to try to make out as if ‘mathematical Statistics’ is a subject by itself without any reference to any application to scientific research or practical problems. He does not accept this view, to him Statistics must always have a purpose which may be, of course, to help in drawing valid conclusions from scientific observations for purely theoretical researches or to help in selecting best varieties for agricultural production or to help in industrial or economic development. He firmly holds this view that Statistics is not a branch of mathematics but a field for the application of mathematics. Planning of scientific manpower is basically a part of long-range planning and involves deep seated structural problems.