0000000000286396
AUTHOR
Rossana Tazzioli
The Role of Differential Parameters in Beltrami's Work
Abstract Differential parameters play a relevant role in Beltrami's mathematical work. They are employed in different contexts, in order to express some well-known results in a new way and to extend potential theory and the theory of elasticity to a Riemannian manifold. The author aims to show that differential parameters enabled Beltrami to solve many mathematical questions and that they constitute the first step toward the conception of tensor calculus. Les parametres differentiels jouent un role important dans l'oeuvre mathematique de Beltrami. Ils sont employes en contextes differents, pour exprimer dans une maniere nouvelle quelques resultats bien-connus et pour generaliser la theorie …
Construction engineering and natural philosophy: the work by Gabriel Lamé
We find Lame again, an other pupill of the “Ecole polytechnique” who considers again the analogy between the catenary and the thin vault stable under its own weight He improve the famous work of Coulomb who applies the theory of maximis and minimis to Architecture. Le scientific biography that follows shows a scientist who has been interrested in cristallography, elastic mediums, optics and heat, electricity and was convinced of the existence of a unitary theory in which an elastic ether would play a central role.
Toward a scientific and personal biography of Tullio Levi-Civita (1873–1941)
International audience; Tullio Levi-Civita was one of the most important Italian mathematicians in the early part of the 20th century, contributing significantly to a number of research fields in mathematics and physics. In addition, he was involved in the social and political life of his time and suffered severe political and racial persecution during the period of Fascism. He tried repeatedly and in several cases successfully to help colleagues and students who were victims of anti-Semitism in Italy and Germany. His scientific and private life is well documented in the letters and documents contained in his Archive. The authors' aim is to illustrate the events of his life by means of his …