Euler first theory of resonance (Q2127583)

In 1739, Euler wrote his \textit{De novo genere oscillationum} which was published eleven years later. It contains the differential equation modeling the harmonic oscillator under harmonic excitation. Developing a general solution and analysing the periodicity of the solution as compared to the excitation he discovered the phenomenom of resonance. However, Euler's publication was not properly recognised and seems to have been neglected. In the paper under review, Euler's publication is thoroughly analysed and illustrative material has been added. It is shown that Euler indeed described the theory of the undamped harmonic oscillator as it can be found in modern textbooks.