H. Minkowski (1864-1909) was the joint winner of the Paris Academy of Sciences Grand Prix des Sciences Mathématiques in 1883. He developed what he called the “geometry of numbers,” and worked in mathematical physics the last years of his life, when he participated in the movement of ideas that led to the theory of relativity. The collection consists of photocopies of 145 holograph mathematical notebooks arranged chronologically.

Minkowski was born on June 22, 1864 of German parents in Alexotas, Russia; was the joint winner of the Paris Academy of Sciences Grand Prix des Sciences Mathématiques in 1883; attended University of Berlin and University of Königsberg, where he received his doctorate in 1885; he taught at Bonn until 1894, then returned to Königsberg for two years; taught at Zurich from 1896-1902, and then at Göttingen, where he taught until his death; developed what he called the “geometry of numbers”; worked in mathematical physics the last years of his life, when he participated in the movement of ideas that led to the theory of relativity; publications include Geometrie der Zahlen (1896), Diophantische approximationen (1907), and Gesammelte abhandlungen (1911); he died on January 12, 1909 in Göttingen, Germany.

8 boxes (4 linear ft.)

Collection is restricted from copying.

PARTIALLY PROCESSED COLLECTION UNAVAILABLE FOR USE: Inquiries regarding these materials should be directed, in writing, to the Manuscripts Librarian, UCLA Department of Special Collections.