The fundamental theorem of algebra before Carl Friedrich Gauss (Q2366857)

This survey paper begins with a section on the discovery and early use of complex numbers (Cardano, Bombelli, Viète, Girard, Descartes, Wallis). The following section deals with the technique of integration and complex quantities (Leibniz, Johann Bernoulli, Euler). In the third section early attempts to prove the Fundamental Theorem of Algebra are discussed (d'Alembert, Euler, Lagrange). Emphasis is placed throughout on the technical manipulative side of handling formulas. There are numerous references to primary and secondary sources: 91 titles in all are listed in the bibliography.