Florence Nightingale and Mathematics

Paper Summary:

This paper examines how although Florence Nightingale is mainly remembered for her compassion and work in the field of nursing. Another of her achievements was in the field of statistics and mathematics. It looks at how she succeeded in augmenting a practical application of statistics to the profession of nursing and how her graphical and statistical representations of deaths in the Crimean conflict promoted the use of sanitary reforms, which were implemented throughout the nursing profession.

From the Paper:

"Furthermore, she also made important contributions in the field of epidemiology. This is the study of the demographics of disease processes, including the study of epidemics, which uses statistical procedures. For example, Nightingale "... made a statistical study of sanitation in Indian rural life. She invented a diagram known as the coxcomb or polar area chart to depict changing patient outcomes in the military field hospital she managed". (Campus Program) She had become an expert statistician and in 1858 was elected the first female member of the Statistical Society. She was also made a member of the American Statistical Association. The statistical measurement and innovations used during the Crimean War not only led to a reduction of deaths but also added to her reputation as both a statistician and nurse."

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