The Collected Mathematical Works of George William Hill

Abstract

THE fourth volume of Hill's mathematical works brings the re-publication of it includes four memories that have not appeared elsewhere, and are of very considerable interest. It is, indeed, difficult to overstate the interest of the whole volume—at least, to those occupied in the subjects treated of. Newcomb, in his “Reminiscences,” permitted himself a good-natured grumble at Hill's “lack of the teaching faculty.” It seems to us that for true instruction as to what the problems of celestial dynamics actually require, and what are the most hopeful ways of approaching them, nothing has appeared since Laplace's “Mécanique Celeste” that so well deserved study as these four volumes. One cannot do them justice in a brief notice. Generally we should say their unique force is a force of character, a serious purpose to adhere only to real problems, to which great analytical facility, with clearness and fastidious elegance, and immeasurable patience are subservient.

The Collected Mathematical Works of George William Hill.

Vol. iv. Pp. vi + 460. (Washington: The Carnegie Institution, 1907.)