Hilbert on kinetic theory and radiation theory (1912-1914) (Q1267793)

It is well known that Hilbert was interested in the axiomatic foundations of pure mathematics, especially the consistency and adequacy of the axioms of arithmetic and geometry. He was also interested in the axiomatization of those parts of physics in which mathematics plays a role, as this was the substance of his sixth problem delivered to the Second International Congress of Mathematicians in 1900. The paper under review presents an account of some aspects of Hilbert's work in this area of physics during the early years of the 20th century. Hilbert's main activity in pure mathematics in the first decade of the 20th century was the theory of integral equations. He was able to use the techniques he developed there to provide more secure mathematical foundations for both the kinetic theory of gases and radiation theory, two topics on which he lectured and wrote between 1911 and 1914. He had a noteworthy success in this respect in his asymptotic solution to the Maxwell-Boltzmann equation of the kinetic theory. In addition to providing lecture courses at Göttingen, Hilbert also organized seminars on physical questions, attended by such notables as Erich Hecke, Max Born and Theodor von Kármán. Hilbert's approach to providing a rigorous foundation for physics did not meet with universal approval from the physicists, and Hilbert was forced to modify his methods to take into account objections raised by Ernst Pringsheim. Equally, Hermann Weyl felt that Hilbert's achievements in this area could hardly compare with his work in pure mathematics. The reviewed paper is well written and provides a good introduction to this less familiar aspect of Hilbert's multi-faceted oeuvre.