Wagner's Theory of Generalised Heaps

by Christopher D. Hollings, Mark V. Lawson

Overview

The theories of V. V. Wagner (1908-1981) on abstractions of systems of binary relations are presented here within their historical and mathematical contexts. This book contains the first translation from Russian into English of a selection of Wagner’s papers, the ideas of which are connected to present-day mathematical research. Along with a translation of Wagner’s main work in this area, his 1953 paper ‘Theory of generalised heaps and generalised groups,’ the book also includes translations of three short precursor articles that provide additional context for his major work.

Researchers and students interested in both algebra (in particular, heaps, semiheaps, generalised heaps, semigroups, and groups) and differential geometry will benefit from the techniques offered by these translations, owing to the natural connections between generalised heaps and generalised groups, and the role played by these concepts in differential geometry. This book gives examples from present-day mathematics where ideas related to Wagner’s have found fruitful applications.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9783319636207
Publisher:	Springer International Publishing
Publication date:	09/10/2017
Edition description:	1st ed. 2017
Pages:	189
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.25(h) x (d)

Table of Contents

1. Introduction.- 2. Viktor VladimirovichWagner (1908–1981).- 3. Wagner’s work in historical context.- 4. Notes on the translations.- 5. A ternary algebraic operation in the theory of coordinate structures.- 6. On the theory of partial transformations.- 7. Generalised groups.- 8. Theory of generalised heaps and generalised groups.- 9. Generalised heaps as affine structures. - Wagner’s publications. –Index.

Editorial Reviews

This book will be invaluable to whoever is interested in the algebraic structures afforded by the description of global objects through local charts, the history of the surrounding ideas, and the sources. Justifying its title, it focusses on Wagner's contributions to the theory of heaps and their generalisations … . As a consequence, even readers who are not interested primarily in Wagner or heaps will find rewards for their time spent with this book.” (Markus Szymik, Mathematical Reviews, July, 2018)

“This book presents the in the West little-known work of the Russian differential geometer Wagner … . the book is easy to read and should be of interest to mathematicians and PhD students interested in differential geometry and contemporary theories of physics.” (Jaak Henno, zbMATH 1403.20001, 2019)

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