On Stirling numbers and Euler sums (Q678818)

In this paper, rich in content, the author first offers a relation between the Stirling numbers of the first kind, defined by \(S(0,0)=1, S(n,0)=0, (n>0)\), \[ S(n,k)=(n-1)S(n-1,k)+S(n-1,k-1), (n>1) \] and the ``\(r\)-th order harmonic numbers'' \(\sum_{k=1}^{n}k^{-r}\). The proof consists of verification for \(k=1,2,3,4\), followed by ``it follows then that the general formula ... is ...''. Further offerings are connections to zeta and polygamma functions, to Euler sums, and to values at 1 of hypergeometric functions with all but at most one of the coefficient pairs equal. [Close acquaintance with several special functions and their properties is presupposed with or without special mention].