Cauchy and the Creation of Complex Function Theory

F. Smithies

ISBN 10: 052159278X / ISBN 13: 9780521592789

Published by Cambridge University Press, 1997

About this Item

Druck auf Anfrage Neuware - Printed after ordering - 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.

Seller Inventory # 9780521592789

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Cauchy and the Creation of Complex Function Theory
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication Date: 1997
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 052159278X
• ISBN 13: 9780521592789
• Binding: Buch
• Condition: Neu
• Dimensions: 235W x 157H x 18D millimeters 235 millimeters width by 157 millimeters height by 18 millimeters depth
• Weight: 527 grams

About this title

Synopsis

In this book, Dr. Smithies analyzes the process through which 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 is the first to make use of the whole spectrum of available original sources and will be recognized as the authoritative work on the creation of complex function theory.

Book Description

Dr Smithies' analysis of the process whereby Cauchy created the basic structure of complex analysis, begins by describing the 18th century background. He then proceeds to examine the stages of Cauchy's own work, culminating in the proof of the residue theorem. Controversies associated with the the birth of the subject are also considered in detail. Throughout, new light is thrown on Cauchy's thinking during this watershed period. This authoritative book is the first to make use of the whole spectrum of available original sources.