Speaking of Graphics
An Essay on Graphicacy in Science, Technology and Business
by Paul J. Lewi, PhD, Eng, Consultant (1937-2012)
Graphics can be defined as translations of numbers in the form of a drawing, design or plan to explain or illustrate something. For our purpose, however, this definition is at the same time too broad and too narrow. In this essay we only consider graphics that are derived from tabulated observations or measurements. On the one hand, we omit technical, organizational and architectural drawings and graphics representing mathematical functions. On the other hand, we also extend the scope of graphics from explanation and illustration of known facts and relationships to the exploration and search for relevant questions and working hypotheses.
Table of Contents
- Preface on Graphicacy
- Chapter 1 Incas and Quipu
- Chapter 2 Mercator, Wright and Mapmaking
- Chapter 3 Oresme, Bacon, Descartes and Coordinate Geometry
- Chapter 4 Playfair and Lineal Arithmetics
- Chapter 5 Nightingale and Polar Area Diagrams
- Chapter 6 Neurath and the Vienna Method of Picture Statistics
- Chapter 7 Quetelet, Galton, Pearson and Correlation
All documents are in Portable Document Format (PDF) and you will need Acrobat Reader 5.0 or later to view or print the files.
The latest copy of Adobe Acrobat Reader can be downloaded for free from Adobe's web site
Copyright © 2005-2008 Paul Lewi & Luc Wouters
Last update: 16-Apr-2013