Latticial structures in data analysis

In general, lattice theory has helped to simplify, unify and generalize many aspects of mathematics, and it has suggested many interesting new problems. In an era of ever-increasing proliferation of scientific results, its relative simplicity and unifying influence are certainly healthy and refreshing. (Birkhoff [4, p. 1]) Diagrams prove nothing, but bring outstanding features readily to the eye; they are therefore no substitute for such critical tests as may be applied to the data, but are valuable in suggesting such tests, and explaining the conclusions founded upon them. (Fisher [16, p. 24]). (C) -- Published by Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.