Date and Time: 4:00 - 4:55, Wed., Feb. 19, 2003 Room: 101 Little Hall Refreshments: The Atrium (LIT 339) at 3:30 pm   *** OPENING REMARKS BY *** *** GRAD. RESEARCH PROFESSOR *** *** JOHN THOMPSON ***

Abstract: We discuss Gauss's influence on Riemann's solution to generalizing Abel's most famous theorem. Abel showed how to produce all meromorphic functions on a complex torus. The subject starts with the nature of certain integrals. Riemann's approach creating theta functions called into question the very meaning of algebraic equations.

 ^* Starting this year, the mathematics department will conduct several history lectures each year. They will describe how major ideas in various important fields of mathematics developed. Since this academic year is the `Year of Algebra' in honor of John Thompson, all history lectures in 2002/03 are in algebra. Professor Fried is an authority on Arithmetic Geometry, Number Theory and the theory of Algebraic Functions. He has the ability to give lucid lectures that illustrate deep and difficult theories to the non-expert.