viii Preface 



Margaret V. Pearson, I am indebted for the heavy task of aiding in selecting 

 and of afterwards transcribing the numerous letters and papers, which has 

 very greatly lightened my own labours. I cannot conclude without a word of 

 thanks for the care which my printers, the Cambridge University Press, have 

 devoted to the preparation of this work and the endeavours they have always 

 made to meet the very varied requirements of its illustration. 



KARL PEARSON. 

 The Galton Laboratory, 

 University of London. 

 March 22, 1930. 



Yff Ony thyng Amysse be 

 blame connyng, and nat me: 

 I desyr ]ie redar to be my frynd, 

 yff )>er be ony amysse, J>at to amend. 



(Mary Mavdleyn, Digby Mystery.) 



