The graphical integration of ordinary differential equations (Q1421934)

The development of the graphic integration of ordinary differential equations is considered here as a ``little known phenomenon''. The article presents techniques and instruments used for the graphic integration and looks for their historic origins by going back to the beginning of calculus. In Sect. 1 the polygonal methods are described from Descartes (1639), Newton (1679). Leibniz (1694) a.o. to perfections in 20th century. In Sect. 2 the methods of radius of curvature are described from Poncelet (1827--1830) to Meissner (1913). Sect. 3 is devoted to the use of tractional motion for the conception of integraphs: Leibniz (1693), Bernoulli (1694), Perks (1706), Poleni (1728), the integraphs B. Abdank-Abakanowicz (1886), L.-F. Jacob (1707), E. Pascal (1910). In Sect. 4 the reduction to graphic quadratures is described: Montucla (1802), the planimeters by Hermann (1814), Amsler (1854), successive approximations by Thomson (1876), Runge (1907), Kholodovsky (1929). The text is illustrated by 28 figures, the extensive references are added.