statistical methods and the subjective basis of scientific knowledge统计方法和科学知识的主观基础.pdf

Translation Statistical methods and the subjective basis of scientific knowledge G. Malécot ANNALES DE L’UNIVERSITÉ DE LYON, Année 1947-X-pp. 43 à 74. Without a hypothesis, that is, without anticipation of the facts by the minds, there is no science. Claude BERNARD (Translated from French and commented by Professor Daniel Gianola; received April 6, 1999) Preamble - When the Editor of Genetics, Selection, Evolution asked me to translate this paper by the late Professor Gustave MALECOT into French, I felt flattered and intimidated at the same time. The was extensive and paper highly technical, and written in an unusual manner for today’s standards, as the phrases are long, windy and, sometimes, seemingly never ending. However, this was an assignment that I could not refuse, for reasons that should become clear subsequently. I have attempted to preserve MALtCOT’s style as much as possible. Hence, I maintained his original punctuation, except for a few instances in which I was forced to introduce a comma here and there, so that the reader could catch some breath! In those instances in which I was unsure of the exact meaning of the phrase, or when I felt that some clarification was needed, I inserted footnotes. The original paper also contains footnotes by MALTCOT; mine are indicated as Translator’s Note, following the usual practice; hence, there should be little room for confusion. There are a few typographical errors and inconsistencies in the original text, but given the length of the manuscript and that it was written many years before word processors had appeared, the paper is remarkably free of errors. This is undoubtedly one of the most brilliant and clear statements in fav