Alexis Fontaine's route to the calculus of several variables (Q797566): Difference between revisions

The article summarises and elaborates earlier studies of the author on Fontaine's role in the development of the calculus of two variables. These earlier studies are: Alexis Fontaine's ''Fluxio-differential method'' and the origins of the calculus of several variables [Ann. Sci. 38, 251- 290 (1981; Zbl 0457.01002)] and Alexis Fontaine's integration of ordinary differential equations and the origins of the calculus of several variables [ibid. 39, 1-36 (1982; Zbl 0479.01005)]. Fontaine first worked with two separate differential operators, the one applying to a variable, the other to a parameter. Later he adopted a single operator calculus. In describing and explaining this conceptual and technical shift, the author highlights the role of families of curves, and especially the degenerate case in which the family consists of segments along one curve.