"For each of the elements into which we have divided the amount of fluid matter, its shape will be altered during the time dt, and also its volume will change if the fluid is compressible; but, since its mass must remain unaltered, it follows that, if we seek to determine its volume and its density at the end of time t + dt, their product will necessarily be the same as after time t. (Siméon-Denis Poisson, "Traité de Méecanique" vol. II, 1811)
"In many different fields, empirical phenomena appear to obey a certain general law, which can be called the Law of Large Numbers. This law states that the ratios of numbers derived from the observation of a very large number of similar events remain practically constant, provided that these events are governed partly by constant factors and partly by variable factors whose variations are irregular and do not cause a systematic change in a definite direction." (Siméon-Denis Poisson, "Règles générales des probabilités", 1837)
"The calculus of probability is equally applicable to things of all kinds, moral and physical and, if only in each case observations provide the necessary numerical data, it does not at all depend on their nature." (Siméon-Denis Poisson, "Researches into the Probabilities of Judgements in Criminal and Civil Cases", 1837)
"The law of large numbers is noted in events which are attributed to pure chance since we do not know their causes or because they are too complicated. Thus, games, in which the circumstances determining the occurrence of a certain card or certain number of points on a die infinitely vary, can not be subjected to any calculus. If the series of trials is continued for a long time, the different outcomes nevertheless appear in constant ratios. Then, if calculations according to the rules of a game are possible, the respective probabilities of eventual outcomes conform to the known Jakob Bernoulli theorem. However, in most problems of contingency a prior determination of chances of the various events is impossible and, on the contrary, they are calculated from the observed result." (Siméon-Denis Poisson, "Researches into the Probabilities of Judgements in Criminal and Civil Cases", 1837)
"The measure of the probability of an event is the ratio of the number of cases favourable to that event, to the total number of cases favourable or contrary, and all equally possible' (equally like to happen)." (Siméon-Denis Poisson, "Règles générales des probabilités", 1837)
"The phenomena of any kind are subject to a general law, which one can call the Law of Large Numbers. It consists in the fact, that, if one observes very large numbers of phenomena of the same kind depending on constant or irregularly changeable causes, however not progressively changeable, but one moment in the one sense, the other moment in the other sense; one finds ratios of these numbers which are almost constant." (Siméon-Denis Poisson, "Règles générales des probabilités", 1837)
"The probability of an event is the reason we have to believe that it has taken place, or that it will take place." (Siméon-Denis Poisson, "Règles générales des probabilités", 1837)
"Things of all kinds are subject to a universal law which may be called the law of large numbers. It consists in the fact that, if one observes very considerable numbers of events of the same nature, dependent on constant causes and causes which vary irregularly, sometimes in one direction, sometimes in the other, it is to say without their variation being progressive in any definite direction, one shall find, between these numbers, relations which are almost constant." (Siméon-Denis Poisson, "Poisson’s Law of Large Numbers", 1837)
"Without the aid of the calculus of probability you run a great risk of being mistaken about the necessity of that conclusion. However, the calculus leaves nothing vague here and in addition provides necessary rules for determining the chance of the change of the causes indicated by comparing the observed facts at different times." (Siméon-Denis Poisson, "Researches into the Probabilities of Judgements in Criminal and Civil Cases", 1837)
"That which can affect our senses in any manner whatever, is termed matter." (Siméon-Denis Poisson, "A Treatise of Mechanics", 1842)
"Life is good for only two things, discovering mathematics and teaching mathematics." (Simeon-Denis Poisson) [in Mathematical Magazine, Volume 64, Number 1, February 1991]
"That which can affect our senses in any manner whatever, is termed matter." (Siméon-Denis Poisson)
"The engineer should receive a complete mathematical education, but for what should it serve him? To see the different aspects of things and to see them quickly; he has no time to hunt mice." (Siméon-Denis Poisson)
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