Cauchy and the Creation of Complex Function Theory

Book excerpt: Dr Smithies' analysis of the process whereby Cauchy created the basic structure of complex analysis, begins by describing the 18th century background. He then proceeds to examine the stages of Cauchy's own work, culminating in the proof of the residue theorem. Controversies associated with the the birth of the subject are also considered in detail. Throughout, new light is thrown on Cauchy's thinking during this watershed period. This authoritative book is the first to make use of the whole spectrum of available original sources.