Carolina QuotesThe theory of exterior differential systems in approximately one century old, although its origin may be traced back much further. As originally formulated by Cartan and subsequently used throughout his work, the theory was intended as a tool to be used in the study of geometric problems. After two periods of theoretical development, one in the 1930s and the other in the 1960s, there has recently been a renewed interest in exterior differential systems as providing a systematic framework for the study of geometric problems. It is my opinion that this development is just beginning, and that exterior differential systems should become a standard tool for geometers, especially for questions where the differential equations expressing the problem are overdetermined systems, and for global questions. When used properly, the theory has a marvelous ability to reveal the underlying geometry in a complicated problem.
Phillip Griffiths Carolinian
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(quote from p. 151)
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- p. 151
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“The theory of exterior differential systems in approximately…” Phillip Griffiths. Carolina Quotes, record CQ-54654BB0BE. https://carolinaquotes.com/quote/54654bb0be
More from Phillip Griffiths
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