The Seven Pillars of Statistical Wisdom

statistical comparisons do not need to be made with respect to an exterior standard but can often be made in terms interior to the data themselves.

combining objects of the same generic group that do not cluster towards a common centre; no more should we attempt to compose generic portraits out of heterogeneous elements, for if we do so the result is monstrous and meaningless.”

In even approximate equilibrium, the variability Darwin both required and demonstrated existed was in conflict with the observed short-term stability in populations.

When sufficient favorable evidence had accumulated in favor of a treatment, it could be adopted as a standard; until then, remain skeptical.

He computed exactly what the inclination of the chutes must be (he called it a coefficient of reversion) in order for intergenerational balance to be preserved,

given a number of observations, you can actually gain information by throwing information away!

Granted that more evidence is better than less, but how much better? For a very long time, there was no clear answer.

In order to make the case for evolution by natural selection, it was essential to establish that there was sufficient within-species heritable variability:

A Preliminary Discourse on the Study of Natural Philosophy. Herschel gave particular emphasis to what he called residual phenomena.