Expert: Kevin Irwin - 7/1/2001

Question
Hello. I have tried searching every possible topic online..to no avail! Please help! For one of my graduate classes, we have to find a famous quote in Boston. It is the Theory of Probability by Laplace which states, "The Theory of Probability is nothing more than good sense confirmed by calculation." It is from 1796, and the teacher said it is at one of her favorite spots in Boston. If you can find it you are a lifesaver!!!

Answer
OK, I think I've found it, but I can't confirm.  I used google.com (the best there is, I think) and found this very random source.  Here it is:
http://casinogambling.about.com/hobbies/casinogambling/library/weekly/aa062298.h...
and here's the location:
I recently was in the mathematics room of the Science Center in Boston. There is a sign that reads: “The theory of probability is nothing more than good sense, confirmed by calculations” I liked that sign, so in closing I will say to you, “Have the good sense to quit when you are ahead and the probability of going home a winner, will be confirmed.”

I'm not sure if he's referring to the Science Museum or if there is a separate Science Center.  I would call the Museum to see if they can help you.  I hope this is the answer.