Automorphisms of relatively free nilpotent groups of infinite rank (Q1121383)

The following striking result is proved: If \(F\) is a free group of infinite rank and \(V\) is a characteristic subgroup such that \(F/V\) is nilpotent, then the automorphisms of \(F/V\) are all ``tame'', in the sense of being induced by automorphisms of \(F\). This contrasts with the situation for finitely generated relatively free nilpotent groups, as every such group of class \(\geq 3\) has automorphisms not induced by free ones [\textit{S. Andreadakis}, Proc. Lond. Math. Soc., III. Ser. 15, 239-268 (1965; Zbl 0135.04502)].