THE MEANEST "MEAN." 197 



merit (1. c., page 70), we have described a circle around that 

 point N". 



As there are not quite 16 observations, all told, on our 

 diagram, we will take the number at this maximum of 16, 

 because we are both liberal to the Stasians, crediting them 

 more than they are entitled to, and can easily extract the 

 square root of that number so we all understand it, namely, 4. 

 Hence 4 times the probable error 0.0046 of the mean, will 

 be the probable error of a single determination; that is 

 0.0184. Compare pp. 11-12 and 16-17. Let us take 0.02 for 

 this value. 



We know, that half oi all observations should fall within 

 this probable error of a single observation (see 1. c., supra). 



Hence, if we draw a circle with the radius 2 hundredths 

 around N" (or exactly four times the radius of the circle 

 actually drawn around this point), this circle should include 

 one-half of all the observed points. 



As a matter of fact, not one of the observed points will 

 be included within that charmed circle. 



All points observed are from four to eight times as far 

 from N" as the value of the probable error of a single 

 observation. 



The laws of probability are most flagrantly belied by the 

 results of Stas. Compare: W. Chauvenet, Astronomy, 

 Philadelphia, 1863, vol. II, p. 488. 



I must be pardoned for the expression of some contempt 

 for the most rotten, ridiculously absurd and self-contradic- 

 tory "Exact Science" of the Chief Chemist of our 

 Government, and for the expression of regret that our 

 Smithsonian has truly become an Institution that de facto 

 increases and distributes the worst possible errors among 

 men all over the globe for these errors come in the garb of 

 the highest, most exact of science, and are taken as truth by 

 the people including the members of the American Chem- 

 ical Society. 



Imperialistic Science can be depended upon to rival the 

 Imperialistic Church of the past in producing, diffusing and 

 upholding error among men " per orbem." 



The worst crimes laid centuries ago at the door of State 



