The role of differential parameters in Beltrami's work (Q1362793)

Lamé had introduced the two differential parameters, later denoted grad \(F\) and div grad \(F\). He and Jacobi expressed these in curvilinear coordinates for applications in mathematical physics. Beginning in 1864 Beltrami considered intrinsic properties in classical and Riemannian differential geometry, and also potential theory in non-Euclidean and Riemannian spaces, by skilfully exploiting these parameters and other invariants derived from them. This work paved the way for tensor calculus.