Department of Mathematics

Srinivasa Ramanujan is perhaps the most enigmatic mathematician in the history of our subject. First, an account of Ramanujan’s life will be given. Second, the history of Ramanujan’s (earlier) notebooks and “lost” notebook will be provided. Third, the speaker will describe how he became fascinated with Ramanujan’s work, beginning with proving a few claims from his notebooks in February, 1974, and then since May, 1977, devoting all of his research efforts to proving the claims in Ramanujan’s earlier notebooks, lost notebook, and published papers. Fourth, some examples from Ramanujan’s notebooks and lost notebook will be given. This lecture will be aimed at a general audience. (Contact Person: Larry Rolen)