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  1. Home
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  3. Cauchy and the Creation of Complex Function Theory
  • Cited by 21
Publisher:
Cambridge University Press
Online publication date:
October 2009
Print publication year:
1997
Online ISBN:
9780511551697
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511551697
Subjects:
Mathematics, History of Mathematics
Information

Book description

Between 1814 and 1831, the great French mathematician A. L. Cauchy created practically single-handedly a new branch of pure mathematics. Complex function theory was and remains of central importance, and its creation marked the start of one of the most exciting periods in the development of mathematics. In this book Dr Smithies analyses the process whereby Cauchy created the basic structure of complex analysis, describing first the eighteenth-century background before proceeding to examine the stages of Cauchy's own work, culminating in the proof of the residue theorem and his work on expansions in power series. Smithies describes how Cauchy overcame difficulties including false starts and contradictions brought about by over-ambitious assumptions, as well as the improvements that came about as the subject developed in Cauchy's hands. Controversies associated with the birth of complex function theory are described in detail. Throughout, new light is thrown on Cauchy's thinking during this watershed period. This book makes use of the whole spectrum of available original sources; it will be recognised as the authoritative work on the creation of complex function theory.

Reviews

Review of the hardback:‘This exemplary book is the first thorough and comprehensive presentation of Cauchy’s creation between 1814 and 1831, of complex function theory … the papers form a diary that testifies to the gradual development of a new field in the mind of an outstanding mathematician.’

D. Laugwitz Source: Darmstadt

Review of the hardback:‘ … an invaluable guide to anyone interested in the work of a great mathematician’.

Jeremy Gray - The Open University

Review of the hardback:‘This book is a welcome contribution to the history of mathematical ideas. It is carefully written … in the case of a great mathematician of the first half of the nineteenth century, it is very useful to have a book analyzing his ideas. Smithie’s book helps us understand the technical achievements of Cauchy in founding the theory of complex functions.’

Source: The Mathematical Gazette

Review of the hardback:‘… new light is thrown on Cauchy’s thinking.’

Source: L’Enseignment Mathématique

Review of the hardback:‘… a unique source not only for the historians of mathematics but to all who are fascinated by the beauty of the complex function theory.’

Source: European Mathematical Society

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