ABSTRACT
Potron was convinced that his mathematical model could be applied to the real world. In an attempt to solicit support for the collection of the required empirical data, he wrote a letter to the editors of the Journal de la Société de Statistique de Paris, who decided to publish part of it (May 1912, 53: 247–9; the title ‘Contribution mathématique à l’étude des problèmes de la production et des salaires’ appeared only on the journal’s Table of Contents). It was preceded by the following introductory remark:
We have received from Father Potron a very interesting letter with regard to statistical researches to be undertaken. We extract from it the following excerpt; some of our readers may perhaps be able to provide the statistical data which allow Mr Potron to calculate the various coefficients of the formulas he has established; please send them to the secretary-general who will communicate them to the author.
The Editors