The origins of Statistical Thinking

Gary Pittman

Richardson, Texas 75083

Tuesday, October 19, 2004, 2:00-3:00pm

110 Jerry Junkins Building

Abstract

This talk begins with the contribution of well-known historical figures to the development of statistical thinking in the eighteenth century, followed by a brief biography of the Victorian Englishman who was the catalyst for the expansion of statistical methods in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, and is concluded with some examples of his legacy.

Special Display

Gary Pittman will bring his Sir Francis Galton’s book collection for the benefit of the attendees. These books will be on display for browsing before and after the seminar in Junkins 110.

Speaker Bio

Gary Pittman received his B.S in Chemistry with honors from SMU in 1953. Gary is a member of Phi Beta Kappa. He is a co-inventor of the Light Emitting Diode (LED). Gary worked at Texas Instruments from 1956-1969, first as a development engineer and later as a Engineering Manager. He was VP of Manufacturing in Spectronics Inc. from 1970-1977. He was also the director of military business at Honeywell optoelectronics from 1978-1987, during which time he was responsible for producing visible LED displays for the Army’s night vision system. He also served as the Director of quality at Honeywell from 1987-1990. Gary is the author of the book, “Who is Sir Francis Galton?” published by the Galton Institute, London. He has lectured extensively at international seminars.

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