The concept of primitivity in group theory and the second memoir of Galois (Q2501247)

The aim of the paper under review is to give an account of the development of the concept of primitivity in finite group theory in the 19th century and to provide commentary on the first part of the \textit{Second Mémoire} of Galois. It contains an analysis of what Galois meant by his use of the word ``primitif'' in the context of polynomials and equations, further this is correlated with the modern notions of primitivity and quasiprimitivity in group theory. In the sequel problems associated with translating and interpreting the \textit{Second Mémoire} are discussed. A transcription and a translation into English of the latter are given. Relevant passages from the works of N. H. Abel and A.-L. Cauchy are also examined. The contributions of Camille Jordan who developed the notion of primitivity in the period 1860--1870 are analysed. Finally the establishment of primitivity as a basic notion of group theory is considered. The paper is addressed to mathematicians and historians.