The Doctrine of Chances: or, A Method of Calculating the Probability of Events in Play.

MOIVRE, Abraham de.

Published by London: W. Pearson for the author, 1718

About this Item

First edition of the author's masterpiece, an early and important contribution to the calculus of games of chance and probability theory, setting out "a series of algebraic and analytic tools for the theory of probability. which foreshadowed Boolean algebra" (ODNB) and other concepts. His introduction contains an overview of main concepts such as probability, conditional probability, expectation, dependent and independent events, the multiplication rule, and the binomial distribution. The book is dedicated to Sir Isaac Newton, whose priority in the dispute between Newton and Leibniz over the development of infinitesimal calculus de Moivre had defended. Babson 181; E STC T33065; Honeyman 2240. Quarto (255 x 195 mm). Engraved vignette on title page, engraved and woodcut initials, head- and tailpieces. Contemporary calf, rebacked with original spine laid down, orange label, gilt in compartments, marbled endpapers, brown speckled edges. Slight rubbing, patch of loss and abrasion to front cover, scattered very light foxing. A very good copy.

Seller Inventory # 153278

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Doctrine of Chances: or, A Method of Calculating the Probability of Events in Play.
• Publisher: London: W. Pearson for the author, 1718
• Edition: 1st Edition