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The entropy of a continuous distribution

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Abstract

C. Shannon's definition (Bell System Technical Journal,27, 379–423, 1948) of the entropy of a continuous distribution is dimensionally incorrect and does not have the same significance as the corresponding definition in the discrete case. A new definition is proposed: this modified entropy is more like the entropy of a discrete distribution in one way, in another more like Shannon's “transmission rate.” The ideas are illustrated by reference to Wright's study of the hereditary influence on the coat pattern of the guinea pig.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mathematics, University of Hawaii, Honolulu

    Harold White

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  1. Harold White
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White, H. The entropy of a continuous distribution. Bulletin of Mathematical Biophysics 27 (Suppl 1), 135–143 (1965). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02477270

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02477270

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