Development of Mathematics 1900-1950

This is a fastidious study documenting the evolution of mathematics during the first half of the twentieth century. It has grown out of a colloquium organized by the Luxembourg Mathematical Society which was held at Château de Bourglinster in June 1992.§An exacting chronology ("Guidelines 1900-1950") marks key events in the development of mathematics, and a rich range of topics are addressed by some of the century's most eminent mathematicians. Contributors include J.L. Doob,§G. Fichera, M. Guillaume, W. Hayman, C. Houzel, J.-P. Kahane, A. Lichnerowicz,§J. Mawhin, L. Nirenberg, J.-P. Pier, W. Schwarz, and an extensive article by the late J. Dieudonné sets down an excellent history of topology.§The copious list of primary sources and of important secondary publications adds to the book's value as a reference volume.§ This volume grew out of the preparation and achievements of the Symposium organized by the Luxembourg Mathematical Society in June 1992, at Chateau Bourglinster (Luxembourg). We express our best thanks to Monsieur Marc Fischbach, ministre de I 'Education nationale, Luxembourg Monsieur Rene Steichen, ministre delegue aux Affaires culturelles, Luxem bourg, Academie des sciences, Paris, Academie roya1e des sciences, des lettres et des beaux-arts de Belgique, Section des sciences de l'Institut grand-ducal, Luxembourg, and all lecturers and participants. We hope that this contribution may ease a better understanding of the vitality in mathematics during the first half of the present century and provide clues for the explanation of its influence on later developments. We say our gratitude to persons who assisted us with their advice and help for the technical realization of the volume, especially Mrs. Suzanne D' Addato-Mues, Mr. Fran~ois Gaillard, Mr. Hubert Glesener. We are also grateful to Birkhauser Verlag for having accepted this publication. Now the book should speak for itself ...