Friedrich Georg Schilling completed his doctorate at the University of Göttingen in 1893 under the supervision of Felix Klein. His doctoral thesis, focused on the geometric theory of the Schwarz s-function, established a foundation for his career as a mathematician and university teacher, bridging the gap between theoretical geometry and the physical application of mathematical instruments.
Academic Appointments and Research
Schilling studied at the University of Freiburg and the University of Göttingen. During his early career from 1891 to 1893, he served as an assistant for the mathematical instrument and physical model collection at Göttingen. After habilitating in Aachen in 1896, he held positions at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology from 1897 to 1899. He later returned to the University of Göttingen as an adjunct professor, focusing on descriptive geometry and the oversight of equipment collections. In 1904, he moved to the TH Danzig, serving as rector from 1917 until 1919, until his eventual retirement in 1936.
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His primary research involved spherical trigonometry, where he interpreted formulas through the relationships between invariants of quadratic forms and their functional determinants. This theory appeared in the lectures of Felix Klein regarding hypergeometric functions. Schilling also investigated Reuleaux tetrahedra and collaborated with Klein to design specialized geometric models manufactured by the Martin Schilling firm in Leipzig. Furthermore, he edited Klein's lectures on higher geometry and oversaw the 1926 publication of Klein's book on non-Euclidean geometry, while authoring his own volumes on the subject, such as the two-part work on the pseudosphere published in 1931 and 1935.
Professional Standing and Political Involvement
By 1927, Schilling achieved leadership in the mathematical community, serving as the president of the Deutsche Mathematiker-Vereinigung. His written output included texts on photogrammetry, projective geometry, and the intersection of visual arts and geometry. In November 1933, he signed the Bekenntnis der Professoren an den deutschen Universitäten und Hochschulen zu Adolf Hitler. He passed away in 1950 in Gladbeck.
Fast facts
- Born: 9 April 1868, Hildesheim
- Died: 25 May 1950, Gladbeck
- Citizenship: Germany
- Alma Mater: University of Göttingen
- Fields: Mathematics, Geometry, Physics
- Academic Posts: Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, TH Danzig
- Professional Role: President of the Deutsche Mathematiker-Vereinigung (1927)
Questions readers ask
What was the focus of Schilling's doctoral research?
His 1893 thesis addressed the geometric theory of the Schwarz s-function under Felix Klein.
Did Schilling publish works on non-Euclidean geometry?
Yes, he authored several books on the topic, including his 1931 and 1935 study on the pseudosphere and his 1931 text on projective and non-Euclidean geometry.
What administrative roles did he hold?
He served as the rector of the TH Danzig from 1917 to 1919 and as president of the Deutsche Mathematiker-Vereinigung in 1927.
Achievements
- Held posts at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology and Gdańsk University of Technology
- Fields: mathematics and geometry
