Georg Feigl produced foundational research in geometry and topology, specifically investigating fixed point theorems for n-dimensional manifolds. Born in Hamburg in 1890, he navigated a career through the German university system before his eventual departure from Breslau in 1945. His academic output remains tied to the structural development of mathematical reference texts published mid-century.
Academic Formation
Feigl attended the Gelehrtenschule des Johanneums before transitioning to higher education. He began his studies in mathematics and physics at the University of Jena in 1909, completing his doctoral degree under the supervision of Paul Koebe in 1918. His early training provided the basis for a career that spanned several German institutions, eventually leading to a full professorship.
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His professional tenure included a long period at the Frederick William University in Berlin, where he taught between 1919 and 1935. In 1935, Feigl moved to the University of Wrocław, a position he held until 1945. Beyond his university teaching roles as a Privatdozent and professor, he engaged in editorial work, serving as an editor for the Jahrbuch über die Fortschritte der Mathematik starting in 1928 and the journal Deutsche Mathematik between 1937 and 1941.
The Final Months
In January 1945, the advance of the Red Army necessitated the evacuation of faculty members from the Mathematical Institute in Wrocław. Feigl relocated to Wechselburg with his wife, Maria. During this period, he attempted to continue academic activities alongside Johann Radon, conducting daily lectures despite the lack of basic academic resources such as lecture notes, books, or writing tools. While in Wechselburg, he worked on materials for a mathematical dictionary, though he succumbed to a severe stomach ailment in April 1945 without access to medication.
Mathematical Legacy
Feigl was among the original contributors to the Mathematisches Wörterbuch. Due to his death, the project remained unfinished for sixteen years, finally appearing in 1961 under the editorship of Joseph Naas and Hermann Ludwig Schmid. His research contributions to topology and the foundations of geometry are documented in the records of the German National Library.
Fast facts
- Born: 1890, Hamburg, Germany
- Died: 20 April 1945, Wechselburg, Germany
- Doctoral Advisor: Paul Koebe
- Primary Fields: Geometry, Topology
- Key Publication: Mathematisches Wörterbuch
- University of Wrocław Tenure: 1935-1945
- Frederick William University Berlin Tenure: 1919-1935
Questions readers ask
What were Georg Feigl’s main areas of study?
He focused on the foundations of geometry and topology, particularly fixed point theorems for n-dimensional manifolds.
When was the Mathematisches Wörterbuch published?
It was published in 1961 by Joseph Naas and Hermann Ludwig Schmid, long after Feigl’s death.
Achievements
- Held posts at University of Wrocław and Frederick William University Berlin
- Fields: foundations of geometry
