"Historical Problems" Of Historical Research

The theory of probability originated in the middle of 17 th century. The origination of probability dates back to the so-called ‘The problem of points’, which also known as ‘Bet allocation problem’. As Laplace said, “it is surprising that the discipline about gambling opportunities develops into the most important discipline.”As the origination of probability, the research always treats the history of ‘The problem of the points’ as an introduction to lead the probability. The research aim at ‘The problem of the points’ was very few. So, the research will aim at the history of the origination of probability, ‘The problem of points’. The study will explore the history of ‘The problem of points’, trying to clarify the formation progress of ‘The problem of points’ basically. The thesis will begin from the study of gambling and random phenomenon, according to the chronological order to sort out the formation progress of ‘The problem of points’.Firstly, I will discuss the gambling games which forms ‘The problem of points’, doubting why it has not been put forward in the course of gambling since nearly one thousand year, trying to summarize the factors which influence the origination and development of it. Secondly, I will comparatively analyses how the great mathematicians such as Pacioli, Tartaglia, Cardano to solute ‘The problem of points’, and summarize their methods. Finally, I will mainly discuss the communications about ‘The problem of points’ between Pascal and Fermat, analysis and explain their different solutions. Looking for the inheritances and collisions in all mathematicians on the study of ‘The problem of points’, sorting out their contribution on the origination and development of it in detail, trying to detailedly discuss the historical process of the origination, development and solution of ‘Problem of points’ as much as possible.This thesis is divided into five chapters. The contents of each chapter is as follows:Chapter one is to introduce the importance of ‘The problem of points’, the meaning of my study, the research status at home and abroad, and the literature and methods which the thesis tries to use.Chapter two is to explore the long history of gambling and the process of understanding of the random phenomenon, to sort out the historical background of ‘The problem of points’ in the dividing line of raising it.Chapter three is to introduce some Italian mathematicians who research the ‘Problem of points’ in the early time, their solution of it individually, and the similarities and differences between them in answering it. I will take Pacioli, Tartaglia, Cardano as the main objects of study.Chapter four: From the death of Cardano to the middle of 17 th century, there is not much progress in the study of ‘The problem of points’ until the appearance of ‘the quiz kid’ named Pascal and ‘the king of amateur mathematician’ named Fermat. The chapter is mainly to treat the letters exchanging by them as the core objects of study, analyzing seriously their solution of ‘The problem of points’ respectively as well as the difference in the solution of it between Pascal and Fermat.Chapter five is to describe the meanings of the right solutions of ‘The problem of points’ from Pascal and Fermat, contrasting their methods to the previous mathematicians, concluding the reason why they could be seen as the pioneers of ‘The problem of points’ as well as their main contribution to the probability theory.