Lucjan Emil Böttcher (1872-1937)-- the Polish pioneer of holomorphic dynamics

Abstract

This paper, based in part on joint work with Stanisław Domoradzki, concerns Lucjan Emil Böttcher (1872-1937)-- a little-known Polish mathematician active in Lwów. I outline Böttcher's scholarly path, focusing on his studies in Leipzig with Sophus Lie, his later academic career in Lwów and the hindrances he faced in its advancement. I also describe very briefly his mathematical achievements. In view of later developments in holomorphic dynamics, I argue that, despite flaws in his work, Böttcher should be regarded not only as a contributor to the area but in fact as one of its founders.

arXiv commentThis is an expanded version of a talk delivered at the conference "Perception of Science in the Central and Eastern Europe in the period 1850-1920", Kraków, Poland, September 20-22, 2013. The talk was intended for mostly non-mathematical audience