Maurice Stevenson Bartlett. 18 June 1910 — 8 January 2002

• Published in: Biographical memoirs of fellows of the Royal Society Vol. 50; pp. 15 - 33
• Main Author: Whittle, Peter
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: The Royal Society 01-12-2004
• Subjects: Biometrics; Correlations; Factor analysis; Probabilities; Statistical analysis; Statistics; Stochastic models; Stochastic processes; Time series analysis
• ISSN: 0080-4606; 1748-8494
• DOI: 10.1098/rsbm.2004.0002

The last 70 years or so have seen the vigorous development of mathematical models in technology, epidemiology, economics and
the natural sciences whose dynamics are intrinsically random in some sense; life is such. The study of the behaviour such
models might demonstrate is that of stochastic processes. The converse task, to determine an appropriate model from reallife
behaviour, is that of statistical inference.Maurice Bartlett was a pioneer in these disciplines whose insight and power as
a problemsolver brought him an international reputation. He made basic advances in the study of stochastic models and the
statistical analysis of data that they might represent, in particular for models with a dynamic element, so allowing the study
of phenomena that evolve in time. Specifically, he made early key advances in what is now called multivariate analysis, developed
time series analysis, produced a coherent theory of stochastic processes (making innovations whose significance was recognized
only years later) and studied stochastic models of, for example, the growth of population, the course of epidemics, and systems
with a spatial dimension (such as vegetation or meteorological variables). A much less tangible phenomenon which never lost
its fascination for him concerned methods for the identification of ‘factors’ in psychology or performance. These are just
the major headings in a series of investigations in which he simultaneously developed stochastic theory, evolved statistical
methodology and pursued the particular application to a conclusion.As well as enjoying a unique reputation among his colleagues,
Bartlett, although an undemonstrative man, evoked a lasting warmth and firm loyalty in all who worked with him.