Preprint #97-25

Statistics in U. S. Universities in 1933 and the Establishment of the Statistical Laboratory at Iowa State

by

Herbert A. David

The Iowa State Statistical Laboratory was established in 1933, with George W. Snedecor as director. The forces leading to this early creation of a formal unit are described, including the roles played by Henry A. Wallace and R. A. Fisher. Preceding this account, the state of statistics in 1933 is outlined, with special emphasis on U. S. universities. The lives and contributions of several leading personalities are sketched.

Keywords: History of statistics, statistical texts in 1933, G. W. Snedecor, H. A. Wallace, R. A. Fisher, H. L. Rietz, H. C. Carver, H. Hotelling.


Copies of preprints are available from the author upon request. Use the preprint number (located at the top of the page) and make the request directly to the author, Iowa State University, Department of Statistics, Snedecor Hall, Ames, IA 50011-1210.