A1 Journal article (refereed)
Note on Legendre’s Method of Least Squares (2023)

Nyblom, J. (2023). Note on Legendre’s Method of Least Squares. Statistical Science, 38(3), 510-513. https://doi.org/10.1214/23-sts887

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Nyblom, Jukka

Journal or series: Statistical Science

ISSN: 0883-4237

eISSN: 2168-8745

Publication year: 2023

Publication date: 01/08/2023

Volume: 38

Issue number: 3

Pages range: 510-513

Publisher: Institute of Mathematical Statistics

Publication country: United States

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1214/23-sts887

Publication open access: Not open

Publication channel open access: 

Abstract

In the first published treatment of the least squares, Legendre applied his new method to the French meridian data measured for the determination of the length of the meter (Nouvelles méthodes pour la détermination des orbites des comètes (1805) 76 Firmin Didot). Legendre treated one error term as a constant. It is shown here that it turns out to be equivalent to the generalized least squares solution of his model (Nouvelles méthodes pour la détermination des orbites des comètes (1805) 77 Firmin Didot).

Keywords: regression analysis; estimating (statistical methods); geodesy; meridians; metric system; history of science

Free keywords: French meridian data; meridian arc length; generalized least squares; flattening of the Earth; determination of meter

Contributing organizations

Ministry reporting: Yes

VIRTA submission year: 2023

JUFO rating: 2