Published online by Cambridge University Press: 01 January 2025
This is a continuation of a paper in the previous issue of Psychometrika (Sept., 1948, pp. 147-174) in which some historical facts about the First World War were expressed in mathematical form. The present introduction is intended to make the sequel readable by a person who has never seen Part I. This can perhaps just be done; although for ease, clarity, and conviction a prior study of Part I is strongly to be recommended. The independent variable is t, the time.
* We have so many quantities that some readers may like to have a mnemonic for the symbols. The following is offered on the understanding that it is rather silly and must never be allowed to take the place of the definitions which have already been given: β for beatitude, ξ for excitation, η for eagerness, θ for thanatos, ρ for rueful rumination, and ω because it is the last; A and K because they are respectively related, as will be shown, to the α and k of Riehardsen’s linear theory of arms-races, C because it is like K, E for efficiency in extermination, B for boredom, D for defeatism, F for foreign infection, and w for weight.