Théorie Analytique Des Probabilités

LAPLACE, Pierre-Simon, Marquis de (1749–1827). Théorie analytique des probabilités . [With the four supplements]. Paris: Veuve Courcier, 1812–25. First edition, complete with all four supplements, of Laplace’s masterpiece, “the touchstone for all his work on probability” (Stigler, p. 131), and the foundation work for all subsequent developments of pure and applied probability analysis. Laplace “was among the most influential scientists in all history” (DSB), to whom “on the whole the theory of probability is more indebted […] than to any other mathematician” (Todhunter). Motivated by problems arising, for instance, in the mathematical treatment of games of chance, Laplace used his epochal work Mémoire sur les suites (1782) to develop the general theory of a powerful power-series technique for solving finite-difference equations, or recurring relations, which he termed the “method of generating functions”. In the present lot, he reproduces this Mémoire almost entirely, and makes repeated use of generating functions in solving a great variety of games of chance. It is Laplace’s extensive discussion of generating functions and the applications of them that is today the source of their widespread use in probability theory, combinatory analysis, and the solution of finite-difference equations and recurrence formulas. See DSB XV 367–76; Todhunter, History of the Theory of Probability , ch. 20; Stigler, The History of Statistics , pp. 131 ff. Five parts in one volume, quarto (245 x 190mm). Half-title, errata leaf at end of first part (errata leaf slightly dust-soiled with small upper corner repair and a large closed repair in lower margin, marginal paper flaw in final leaf). Contemporary speckled calf (rebacked to style).

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