"The chances of the game are termed probabilities.
"A probability is the relation which exists, between the number of chances favourable to a result, and the sum total of possible chances.
"Some celebrated authors have written clever works on these same probabilities, but, in consequence of their profound depth and multiplicity, these calculations are of no earthly use to the player.
"Besides, all systems of probabilities may be advantageously replaced by the following theory:—
"If chance should happen to bring every possible combination of the game, there are, notwithstanding, certain limits, where it must cease.
"Such, for example, as the fact of a number coming up ten consecutive times at roulette.
"That might happen, certainly, but it has never yet occurred. We may therefore conclude, that:—
"In a game of hazard, the oftener a number comes up, the more certain it is that it will not come up the next coup.
"This is the groundwork of all the theories of probabilities, and is termed 'the maturity of chances.'
"After what I have stated, it is evident, that, in order to succeed, a person must only continue to play, when he is fortunate at the commencement, and must also only risk his money, at the instant prescribed by the rules of the maturity of chances.