1901. Biometrika, the Journal for the Statistical Study of Biological Problems, is founded to promote the statistical analysis of biological phenomena, that is, the mathematization of biology. The founders of Biometrika include notable figures such as Sir Francis Galton, W. F. R. Weldon, and Karl Pearson. The majority of the work was done by Pearson and Weldon, with Weldon focusing content editing (ie. the biological aspect), and Pearson on the details including proof corrections. Galton and American eugenicist Charles Davenport served as consulting editor and editor respectively (Cox, 2001, p. 3).

Some of the topics covered in the journal included criminology, botany, zoology, epidemiology, and other aspects of human health. By the 1930s, the character of Biometrika changed, and it “represented the forefront internationally of research in statistical methods and their application in science and technology” (Cox, 9), as opposed to focusing on heredity.

Sir Francis Galton, who served as editor for the first issue (1901), wrote the Introduction which included a statement of purpose for the journal:

"It is intended that Biometrika shall serve as a means not only of collecting or publishing under one title biological data of a kind not systematically collected or published elsewhere in any other periodical, but also of spreading a knowledge of such statistical theory as may be requisite for their scientific treatment." (p.1)

Its contents at the time of its founding included articles on variation, inheritance and selection in both animals and plants, which attracted many subscribers interested in eugenics. The journal has been in continuous publication to the present day, though its focus has shifted over time to emphasize statistical theory and methodology.

-Erna Kurbegovic, Amy Dyrbye, and Colette Leung

• Cox, D.R. (2001). Biometrika: The First 100 Years. Biometrika, 88, 3-11.

• Devlin, B. (1997). Intelligence, Genes, and Success: Scientists Respond to The Bell Curve. New York: Springer-Verlag.