[1] This latter enquiry belongs to what may be termed the more purely logical part of this volume, and is entered on in the course of Chapter VI.
[2] For the use of those not acquainted with the common notation employed in this subject, it may be remarked that HH is simply an abbreviated way of saying that the two successive throws of the penny give head; HT that the first of them gives head, and the second tail; and so on with the remaining symbols.
[3] I am endeavouring to treat this rule of Sufficient Reason in a way that shall be legitimate in the opinion of those who accept it, but there seem very great doubts whether a contradiction is not involved when we attempt to extract results from it. If the sides are absolutely alike, how can there he any difference between the terms of the series? The succession seems then reduced to a dull uniformity, a mere iteration of the same thing many times; the series we contemplated has disappeared. If the sides are not absolutely alike, what becomes of the applicability of the rule?
[4] Formal Logic, p. 185. Principles of Science, p. 208.
[5] The close connection between these subjects is well indicated in the title of Mr Whitworth's treatise, Choice and Chance.
[6] Essai Philosophique. Ed. 1825, p. 74.
[7] An opinion prevailed rather at one time (quoted and supported by Quetelet amongst others) that the relative ages of the parents had something to do with the sex of the offspring. If this were so, it would quite bear out the above remarks. As a matter of fact, it should be observed, that the proportion of 106 to 100 does not seem by any means universal in all countries or at all times. For various statistical tables on the subject see Quetelet, Physique Sociale, Vol. I.
166, 173, 238.