On a theorem of Hermite and Hurwitz (Q796611)

The author illustrates in this interesting and stimulating paper the role of the Hermite-Hurwitz theorem and of several of its generalizations in linear algebra, in topology, in differential equations, and in the theory of circuits and systems. The theorem as well as various generalizations to the matrix-valued case are discussed and described in terms of signature formulae. By this not only a uniform treatment of various results and applications is given, but also the author's contention of the central role of this theorem is exemplified.