Algebraic analysis in Germany, 1780-1840: Some mathematical and philosophical issues (Q1309149)

In 1779 C. F. Hindenburg announced the general polynomial formula which was to become the main subject of the German Combinatorial School and its adherents including Klügel, M. Ohm, Dirksen, and M. A. Stern. This formal or algebraic approach to analysis determined the reality of mathematics education at the German gymnasium during the first half of the 19th century. It was considered to be closely related to contemporary German philosophy, and served as an elementary model of pure mathematics which corresponded to W. Humboldt's pedagogical vision of mathematics as providing `allgemeingültige Anschauung'. In research papers much attention was paid to the problem how formal equality of series expressions and their numerical equality could be treated satisfactorily. Extensive bibliography.