From Wigner--In{ö}n{ü} Group Contraction to Contractions of Algebraic Structures

Abstract

The development of the notion of group contraction first introduced by E. In{ö}n{ü} and E.P. Wigner in 1953 is briefly reviewed. The fundamental role of the idea of degenerate transformations is stressed. The significance of contractions of algebraic structures for exactly solvable problems of mathematical physics is noticed.

5 pages, Latex. Talk given at Wigner Centennial Conference July 8-12, 2002, P{é}cs, Hungary