New Orleans daily crescent. [volume] ([New Orleans, La.]) 1851-1866, 1856-02-20
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Lyceu last evening, in continuation Of the former,
showing the relation the theory PROBABILITIES has to
the concerns Of daily life not only mathematically and
metaphysicaly but directly and Immediately valuable
The theory has passed through its infancy, and in
its historical bearings, which are most prominent and
useful it is now chiefly considered The startling doc
trine that initiates it viz that bya theory concern
ing certain certaintes an actual certainty is to be
reached astonishes almost every one but if consd
cred in all it's bearings, the seeming improbabtes
pass away and the actual bearing is left clear and
fixed. Some apt illustrations were given in support
Of this statement The difference between probable
accordance and an accordance that is probable was
alluded to BY further Illustrations.
The rules Of this science are based upon the suppo-
sition Of great number of probabilities in every
case and also gives the number of these
which form the basis Of a sound calculation. The
science Of gambling was introduced as more fully car
rying out this theory, BY which, although the gambler
knows it not there is regular per centage for or
against him. in accordance with the theory of proba
l#bities The same principle is evidenced in other
games s5$@.3
Lotteries were taken up in exenplifcation and the
French, being the most fair, was misunderstanding
the immense inprobabilites attending the drawing of
any prize, and showing that, when the prize is 50
francs, under true regulation it should be y and
S1OO and vet the French is the fairest of all the
world infinite honesty compared to those of this
country. Concerning the whole system Of gambling,
however, Buffin's statement is good: that every
hankeris a; rogue and every player dupe. A fair
game between day aborer, whose whole fortune is
ten dollars, and millionaire, cannot be made fair,
unless both put up all they are worth and play all
against all
Leaving gambling aside, however, there are other
hazards, Of fire and storm and death, which cannot
he avoided Put your eggs in different baskets Some
may be broken, but the probability is that some will
be saved. In fire insurance it is likely that some
fires will occur but those risks to which no accidents
occur, will be ready to pay the loss, byan average
contribution. Some remarks were entered into con-
corning insurance of different kinds showing the ne
cessity there is that the amount Of payment should
exceed the probable amount Of risk and describing
the general workings Of the system Of insurance.
The theory Of probabilities touches the whole policy
Of government, and saysto the South, grow corn as
well as cotton and wheat as well as sugar-cane for
the two staples that are maybe rendered worth.
less by war but the others are necessities in both
peace and war. This theory tells US to endeavor to
portion; for, as danger may come, then, by this
course, they will come without danger. And this
theory tells Of what our country may yet be- when
iron parallels the continent and reach from the
pole to the tropics. It speaks of patriotism and Ia
bor and research-an glorious day to grow out OF
them in the dnlness Of the future.
n The theory of probabilities was further illustrated
by many citations Of facts in different cases and in.
Stances all of which, in theirresults, were eo1robora
tive Of the general principles before alluded tothe
probabilities Of their being smaller dwarfs than Tom
Thumb, and more bearded women than the one now
on exhibition in this country
Physicians, statesmen and mathenlaticians are pro
foundry interested in the theory of probabilities and
Ito greater less extent must be ruled by it. In
law the theory is extensively used, and in trade
it has always been more or less consulted Indeed its
bearings upon life, upon government and upon every
thing apperaning to human existence, multifa,i-
Gus and cannot be defined.
Some general remarks, stunning up the preceding
ones and the use Of the science in its applications,
concluded the address, Of which our report is but an
outline-one, however, from which the use and in
terest Of the whole may be understood. It was very
handsomely written and delivered less beautiful
than sound ornamental than interesting as
opening field which has suggested itself to very
few, was of much more than ordinary interest.
On Thursday evening Prof. Gould will deliver hi
next lecture, on--The Relation Astronomy bears t.
i other Sciences
We were happy to see a larger audience than OIL
the preceding evenings and trust that the next lee
ture may find the hall crowded Much useful, SCUM,
and practical knowledge, as well as no nconsiderabl
amount of diversion can be cleaned from the dis
courses.