Francis Galton's Account of the Invention of Correlation

Citation
M. Stigler, Stephen, Francis Galton's Account of the Invention of Correlation, Statistical science , 4(2), 1989, pp. 73-79
Journal title
ISSN journal
08834237
Volume
4
Issue
2
Year of publication
1989
Pages
73 - 79
Database
ACNP
SICI code
Abstract
Francis Galton's invention of correlation dates from late in the year 1888, and it arose when he recognized a common thread in three different scientific problems he was studying. Galton's own 1890 account of the moment of discovery is discussed and contrasted with Karl Pearson's widely known association of correlation with a retreat into a recess at Naworth Castle. The circumstances that led Galton to write the account are reviewed.