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Pierre-Simon Laplace (1749-1827) is remembered among probabilitists today particularly for his "Theorie analytique des probabilites", published in 1812. The "Essai philosophique dur les probabilites" is his introduction for the second edition of this work. Here Laplace provided a popular exposition on his "Theorie". The "Essai", based on a lecture on probability given by Laplace in 1794, underwent sweeping changes, almost doubling in size, in the various editions published during Laplace's lifetime. Translations of various editions in different languages have apeared over the years. The only English translation of 1902 reads awkwardly today. This is a thorough and modern translation based on the recent re-issue, with its voluminous notes, of the fifth edition of 1826, with preface by Rene Thom and postscript by Bernard Bru. In the second part of the book, the reader is provided with an extensive commentary by the translator including valuable histographical and mathematical remarks and various proofs.

In this, his most famous work, Pierre-Simon, Marquis de Laplace lays out a system for reasoning based on probability. The single most famous piece introduced in this work is the rule of succession, which calculates the probability that a trial will be a success based on the number of times it has succeeded in the past. Students of mathematics will find A Philosophical Essay on Probabilities an essential read for understanding this complex field of study and applying its truths to their lives. French mathematician PIERRE-SIMON, MARQUIS DE LAPLACE (1749-1827) was essential in the formation of mathematical physics. He spent much of his life working on mathematical astronomy and even suggested the existence of black holes. Laplace is also known for his work on probability.

Pierre-Simon Laplace (1749-1827) is remembered amoung probabilitists today particularly for his "Theorie analytique des probabilites", published in 1812. The "Essai philosophique dur les probabilites" is his introduction for the second edition of this work. Here Laplace provided a popular exposition on his "Theorie". The "Essai", based on a lecture on probability given by Laplace in 1794, underwent sweeping changes, almost doubling in size, in the various editions published during Laplace's lifetime. Translations of various editions in different languages have apeared over the years. The only English translation of 1902 reads awkwardly today. This is a thorough and modern translation based on the recent re-issue, with its voluminous notes, of the fifth edition of 1826, with preface by Rene Thom and postscript by Bernard Bru. In the second part of the book, the reader is provided with an extensive commentary by the translator including valuable histographical and mathematical remarks and various proofs.

Includes scientific papers, published and unpublished; texts of formal scientific projects; correspondence, both scientific and personal; political papers; papers related to personal matters ranging from business accounts to household receipts; the correspondence of Madame Laplace, including hundreds of letters exchanged with her family and with Princess Elisa, Napoleon's sister; also includes hundreds of letters exchanged with scientists and their spouses, letters related to Madame Laplace's appointment as Lady-in-Waiting, and letters from members of the Bonaparte family; the papers of the son, Charles-Émile Laplace (born in 1789), including hundreds of letters exhanged between mother and son and many letters from major French figures of the time; records pertaining to Laplace's father, Pierre de Laplace of Beaumont-en-Auge (Normandy), who died in 1788.

When the revised theory of quantum mechanics, postulating a probabilistic rather than a deterministic universe, was first introduced in the 1920s, Albert Einstein famously refused to believe that "God plays dice with the universe," and he spent the rest of his life trying to prove it.Quantum theory, however, survived his efforts, and it seems that the universe is very much based on random probabilities. The universe has not descended into chaos because random events are strictly governed by the universal laws of mathematics, a fact that casinos depend upon. So the odds of a broken teacup spontaneously reassembling itself, are not impossible, just extremely unlikely.In 1812, long before quantum theory was ever proposed, the French scholar, Pierre-Simon Laplace, issued his Théorie analytique des probabilités in which he laid down many of the fundamental mathematical principles governing probability. Two years later, he wrote this book concerning the philosophy behind his theory. Although its application to gambling is obvious, his theory applies to many scientific fields.Enjoyment of this work, which is a 1906 translation from French into English by two American university professors, does not require a deep understanding of mathematics to enjoy and appreciate.

In "A Philosophical Essay on Probabilities," Pierre-Simon Laplace presents a groundbreaking analysis of probability theory that serves as the foundation for modern statistical methodologies. Written in a clear and methodical style, the essay intricately weaves together philosophical reflections and mathematical principles. Laplace not only explores the mathematical underpinnings of probability'Äîbut also delves into its implications in areas such as science, philosophy, and everyday decision-making. This work is situated in the Enlightenment context, reflecting the burgeoning interest in rational thought and empirical evidence, establishing a bridge between abstract mathematical concepts and tangible real-world applications. Pierre-Simon Laplace (1749'Äì1827) was a prominent French mathematician and astronomer whose work on celestial mechanics and probability theory significantly advanced the sciences. His upbringing in rural France amidst the dawning Age of Enlightenment instilled in him a profound appreciation for rational inquiry. Laplace's personal experiences with the unpredictable nature of life and the cosmos shaped his interest in measurement and uncertainty, making his insights all the more pertinent to the social and scientific advancements of his time. This essential text is highly recommended for scholars, mathematicians, and anyone interested in the philosophy of science. Laplace's exploration of uncertainty is not merely theoretical; it invites readers to ponder the role of chance in human existence and decision-making. His masterful synthesis of philosophy and mathematics provides an enduring framework that resonates in contemporary discussions surrounding probability and its applications.

La correspondance jusqu'ici inedite de Pierre-Simon Laplace constitue un corpus d'une valeur inestimable pour l'histoire des sciences. Les echanges epistolaires de ce savant avec le monde scientifique de son temps forment un complement indispensable a l'etude et la comprehension de ses travaux dans le domaine des mathematiques, de l'astronomie et de la theorie des probabilites."

La correspondance jusqu'ici inédite de Pierre-Simon Laplace constitue un corpus d'une valeur inestimable pour l'histoire des sciences. Les échanges épistolaires de ce savant avec le monde scientifique de son temps forment un complément indispensable à l'étude et la compréhension de ses travaux dans le domaine des mathématiques, de l'astronomie et de la théorie des probabilités.