1958/06/01 by R. A. Rankin · 1 citation
Mathematics · #Mathematics and Applications #History and Theory of Mathematics #Advanced Differential Equations and Dynamical Systems #Watson #Automorphic form #Automorphic L-function #Conversation #Subject (documents) #Mathematics #Langlands–Shahidi method #Algebra over a field #Sociology #Pure mathematics #Communication #Library science #Computer science
paper · pdf · doi:10.1017/s0013091500014358
openalex publication_date 1958/06/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/04
Although only three of Whittaker's papers ( 12, 13, 14 ) are on the theory of automorphic functions, he retained his interest in it throughout his life. His son, Dr J. M. Whittaker, informs me that his last mathematical conversation with his father was on this subject. The standard English work on automorphic functions by L. R. Ford ( 4 ), and its precursor in the Edinburgh Mathematical Tracts series, owe much to Whittaker, and it was he who suggested the term “isometric circle” of which Ford makes such elegant use in his development of the theory. Professor G. N. Watson informs me that Whittaker had expressed his willingness to contributea a chapter on automorphic functions to the revised and expanded edition of Modern Analysis which is in preparation.