Scott A. Walter – författare

This volume explores the interplay between mathematical and physical research and the interactions of twentieth-century scientists within their academic communities. Beginning with Einstein’s general theory of relativity, the authors investigate a series of dramatic discoveries and rival theories in physics that influenced the development of modern differential geometry. Other sections recount the numerous methods, like the resurgence of Weyl geometry, used by geometers to solve the problems revealed by those same innovations in space-time physics. The effect of general relativity on astronomy is also addressed, namely how astronomers worked through new theories like inflationary cosmology and Phoenix models.

By including recent historical research and coupling this work with many disciplines’ unique perspectives, this text provides a rich picture of general relativity and cosmology over the course of the twentieth century. The increased study on the documentation of Einstein’s early scientific work has clarified the history of science for that time and profoundly altered the way scientists view their own work, as this interdisciplinary volume demonstrates.

Indispensable for understanding Henri Poincaré''s vast activity in the mathematical sciences. Provides new sources revealing Poincaré''s involvement as president of the "Commission permanente du Répertoire bibliographique des sciences mathématiques" as an actor in the "Dreyfus Affair," and on his links with the editors of the major mathematical journals.

The letters, many of which are unpublished, are fully annotated with an emphasis on the academic, cultural and technical contexts. An introduction underlines the lessons that can be drawn from the reading of these correspondences on Poincaré''s position in the mathematical and academic communities. Three indexes facilitate the reading.

Le volume de la correspondance de Poincaré consacré à ses échanges avec les mathématiciens permet de suivre son investissement dans le champ des sciences mathématiques de ses débuts comme étudiant brillant et prometteur préparant une thèse jusqu’à ses derniers jours, où devenu une icone pourla communauté mathématique depuis de longues années, sa correspondance traduit autant son activité dans la recherche que son implication dans les questions académiques, institutionnelles et organisationnelles. Les questions liées à la théorie des équations différentielles et l’entreprise du Répertoire bibliographique des sciences mathématiques ont suscité une activité épistolaire particulièrement sensible par le nombre de lettres qui y font allusion et par la diversité des correspondants qui abordent les questions de bibliographie mathématique. Les correspondances sont aussi l’occasion de multiples partages d’informations mathématiques, académiques et éditoriales.