The International Biometrics Society includes a definition in their website:
"The terms “Biometrics” and “Biometry” have been used since early in the 20th century to refer to the field of development of statistical and mathematical methods applicable to data analysis problems in the biological sciences. Statistical methods for the analysis of data from agricultural field experiments to compare the yields of different varieties of wheat, for the analysis of data from human clinical trials evaluating the relative effectiveness of competing therapies for disease, or for the analysis of data from environmental studies on the effects of air or water pollution on the appearance of human disease in a region or country are all examples of problems that would fall under the umbrella of “Biometrics” as the term has been historically used."
Biometrics have a rich history dating back to Ronald Fisher’s conception of modern day statistics. The Biometrics journal, while having emphasis on problems in the biological sciences, is strongly geared for statisticians.
Biometry, the active pursuit of biological knowledge by quantitative methods.
— R.A. Fisher, 1948
Much of Fisher’s work was motivated by agriculture and perhaps rooted with this part of the history, a biometrician often references a person who is adept to apply statistical methods in the agricultural field. Although biometrics is not constraint to genetics alone, Fisher was an important figure in both statistics and genetics.
I really enjoyed how she concluded her article:
In the end, a title is just a title, a name is just a name and a label is just a label. I personally care more about working with people whose principle and values are aligned with mine. To that end, I believe everyone should choose an identity that they are comfortable and happy with. I appreciate that some people have identities that are transient; some don’t and some are still figuring it out. Regardless, it’s good to reflect and think.
This actually makes me think of Thich Nhat Hanh as he writes in Peace is Every Step: "So we must be careful not to imprison ourselves in concepts."
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