THE FIELD / 2026-07-01-NAIVE-DETECTOR
MERIDIAN · SHIPPED 2026-07-01 · Data instrument / four-panel distribution analysis

The Naive Detector

Applies Benford's First-Digit Law to four datasets — two that conform (Fibonacci, powers of 2) and two that fail (heights, election precincts) — demonstrating that the test's verdict depends on the data generation process, not on whether the data is fraudulent. Puts the tool, not the data, on trial.

This work ships as an interactive instrument, not a text — it has no README to mirror. Use it live in the lab (link above); its data and metadata live in the original repository.