1700-1799: New graphic forms

Contour maps showing curves of equal value (an isogonic map, lines of equal magnetic declination for the world, possibly the first contour map of a data-based variable)

Invention of three-color printing

First test of statistical significance based on deviation between observed data and a null hypothesis (used to show that the guiding hand of a devine being could be discerned in the nearly constant ratio of male to female births in London over 1629--1710)

Literal line graph, inspired by observation of nature (section of hyperbola, formed by capillary action of colored water between two glass plates)

Abstract line graph (of barometric observations), not analyzed

Experiments paving the way to the development of photography: Images obtained by action of light on a mixture of chalk, nitric acid, and silver salts

The normal distribution, derived as the limit of the binomial distribution

Development of the use of polar coordinates for the representation of functions. Newton's Method of Fluxions was written about 1671, but not published until 1736. Jacob Bernoulli published a derivation of the idea in 1691 attributes the development of polar coordinates to Fontana, with no date.

Beginnings of the study of population statistics (demography)

First use of the term "statistik.'' The word "statistics'' was first used by Zimmerman in 1787. (For the earlier use of "statist'', "statista'' and other terms, see cite{John:1883}.)

Beginnings of the estimation of $m$ unknown quantities from $n$ emipirical equations (where $n > m$), taking account of the possibility of errors in the observations (later supplanted by the method of least squares)

Introduction of a notation which gives a name and address to every possible point in 3D space, $(x,y,z)$.

Contour map

"Carte chronologique'': An annotated timeline of history (from Creation) on a 54-foot scroll, including names and descriptive events, grouped thematically, with symbols denoting character (martyr, tyrant, heretic, noble, upright, etc.) and profession (painter, theologian, musician, monk, etc.)

Diagrams developed to represent color systems. In 1758, Mayer developed a system of constructing and naming many of the possible colours. Lambert extended this with a 3D pyramid indicating "depth'' (saturation).

Curve-fitting and interpolation from empirical data points

Graph of the beta density

Theory of measurement error as deviations from regular graphed line. (Lambert made the observation that "a diagram does incomparably better service here than a table.''cite[p. 204]{Tilling:1975}

Historical timeline (life spans of 2,000 famous people, 1200 B.C. to 1750 A.D.), quantitative comparison by means of bars

Repeated systematic application of graphical analysis (line graphs applied to empirical measurements)

Development of descriptive geometry, that leads to engineering drawing

Geological map (distribution of soils, minerals)

Graphical analysis of periodic variation (in soil temperature), and the first semi-graphic display combining tabular and graphical formats

Statistical map of production in Europe, possibly the first economic and thematic map (shows geographic distribution of 56 commodities produced in Europe)

First topographical map

Use of geometric, proportional figures (squares) to compare demographic quantities by superposition, an early "tableau graphique''

Superimposed squares to compare areas (of European states)

Bar chart, line graphs of economic data

Visualization of vibration patterns (by spreading a uniform layer of sand on a disk, and observing displacement when vibration is applied)

Patenting and sale of printed graph paper, printed with a rectangular coordinate grid, attests to the growing use of Cartesian coordinates

Multi-number graphical calculation (proto-nomogram: contours applied to multiplication table, later rectified by Lalanne cite{Lalanne:1846})

Automatic recording of bivariate data (pressure vs. volume in steam engine) "Watt Indicator,'' (invention kept secret until 1822)

Invention of lithographic technique for printing of maps and diagrams ("At the time the effect of lithography ... was as great as has been the introduction [of the Xerox machine]'' cite[p. 57]{Robinson:1982}) (published in several translations, 1818--19)

First maps of the incidence of disease (yellow fever), using dots and circles to show individual occurrences in waterfront areas of New York