Klassisches und Modernes über Steiner Tripelsysteme. (Classical and modern aspects of Steiner triple systems) (Q912855)

An outline of developments in the theory of Steiner triple systems is given. Direct and recursive constructions are discussed. Information concerning the number of non-isomorphic Steiner triple systems with a given number of points is listed. Results concerning automorphisms including those due to R. Peltesohn, F. Mendelsohn and M. Hall, are briefly dealt with, as are results concerning extending Steiner triple systems to Steiner quadruple systems and the existence problem for Kirkman triple systems. Some recent results on subsystems (for example, the Doyen-Wilson Theorem) and on arcs and ovals are included.