Michel Chasles' foundational programme for geometry until the publication of his \textit{Aperçu historique} (Q1740463): Difference between revisions

It is argued that the French mathematician Michel Chasles developed a foundational programme for geometry in the period 1827--1837 (see [JFM 21.0033.01]). The basic concept behind this programme was to show that projective geometry is the foundation of the whole geometry. The author claims that he conceptual itinerary that starts from Chasles' studies on polarity and end with his results based on the cross-ratio represents the itinerary of his foundational programme. This line of thought is followed, it is placed in the context of what was then called descriptive geometry, and connections with the later great results of von Staudt, Cayley and Klein are outlined.