Differential and integral calculus adapted to substitutions by Volterra (Q2323321)

This paper focuses on the origin of what is perhaps Volterra's most important contribution, the notion of functional. A close textual analysis of \textit{Sui fondamenti della teoria delle equazioni differenziali lineari}, published in two parts in 1887 and 1899 [JFM 19.0299.01; JFM 30.0283.01], is the basis of an historical analysis of how key mathematical ideas are developed. Volterra's publication deals with extensions of the integrals of linear differential equations with algebraic coefficients. The author posits that Volterra ``transposed'' concepts of ordinary differential and integral calculus for use in the new theory of functionals. This transposition process is conceived as a way of analyzing the creative move from a particular theory to a more general one. In a subsequent work the author intends to show further why this is the origin of the functional concept as opposed to Volterra's work on functions that depend on other functions or functions of lines.