The first t-test

Stat Med. 1994 Apr 30;13(8):785-803. doi: 10.1002/sim.4780130802.

Abstract

The data with which Student illustrated the application of his famous distribution are examined from a number of aspects. Central to the discussion is the within-patient clinical trial at Kalamazoo whose results were published by Cushny and Peebles and misquoted by Student and Fisher. This trial is discussed from historical, pharmacological and statistical perspectives. Student's and Fisher's analyses and a more modern analysis by Preece are considered as is Cushny's and Peebles's interpretation. Brief biographies of the five physicians involved in running the trial are presented.

Publication types

  • Historical Article

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Atropine / history*
  • Clinical Trials as Topic / history*
  • Data Interpretation, Statistical*
  • History, 19th Century
  • History, 20th Century
  • Humans
  • Michigan
  • Sleep / drug effects
  • Statistics as Topic / history*
  • Stereoisomerism

Substances

  • Atropine