The axiomatic method in action

1900–1905

pp. 119-184

in: Leo Corry, David Hilbert and the axiomatization of physics (1898–1918), Berlin, Springer, 2004

Abstract

The early years of the new century were intense in scientific activity in Göttingen. Hilbert's reputation was becoming increasingly established as the leading German mathematician of his generation. When he was invited to join the Berlin faculty, he turned down the offer and preferred to remain at Göttingen, on condition that Klein would arrange with the ministry that a new, third chair of mathematics be especially created for his friend Minkowski, who thus arrived in town in 1902.² The picture was completed in 1904, as Runge and Prandtl joined in. By all standards, this was an entirely unprecedented situation in German mathematics, which definitely contributed to consolidate the already visible prominence of this thriving center of excellence. Young students seeking to launch their careers saw in Göttingen, more than ever before, the right place to start realizing their plans. The cadre of students attending Hilbert's lectures and seminars continued to grow in number and to improve in quality.