how to set a random seed

[Mojca M. <moj...@gm...>]

Dear list,

I'm not sure how I could reset random seed. I have found:

> help rand
 `rand(0)`  returns a pseudo random number in the interval [0:1] generated
            from the current value of two internal 32-bit seeds.
 `rand(-1)` resets both seeds to a standard value.
 `rand(x)`  for x>0 sets both seeds to a value based on the value of x.
 `rand({x,y})` for x>0 sets seed1 to x and seed2 to y.

but I get

gnuplot> rand(42)
         ^
         invalid command

I can use "plot rand(42),rand(0)", but I would like to avoid plotting
anything at all, I just need to reset the seed (I'm using version
control and it is nasty that files change all the time without any
reason).

Thanks,
    Mojca