> How do I generate random numbers with a nice statical distribution, ie
> ones that fit a standard bell-shaped curve.  Most random number
generators
> try to generate all possible combinations in an even distribution, but
what
> if I want numbers "near" "X", perhaps with a specified standard
deviation...

Anyone doing Monte-Carlo simulation or for one reason or another needs
a good random number generator with statistically significant distribution
should track down an out of print book titled

" Statistical Distributions " by NAJ Hastings and JB Peacock (c) 1975
Publisher was John Wiley & Sons.
It may also be found under either Butterworth & Co. or Halsted Press

QA273.6.H37

ISBN 0-470-35889-0  cloth
ISBN 0-470-26446-2  paper

This 130 page reference is pure gold and much rarer.

Walter Banks