The publication of the standard reference work Geometry of Numbers in 1969 established a definitive text for the field, authored by the Dutch mathematician Cornelis Gerrit Lekkerkerker. Born in Harmelen in 1922, he spent his career navigating the intersection of analytic number theory, functional analysis, and complex physical problems while maintaining an influential presence within the Netherlands' academic hierarchy.
Academic Formation and Early Work
Lekkerkerker began his mathematical training at Utrecht University, attending courses between 1940 and 1943, and again from 1945 until 1949. His primary mentors during this formative period were Jurjen Koksma and Jan Popken. Following his graduation, he joined the Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica in Amsterdam, operating within the pure mathematics division under Koksma's supervision. He expanded his expertise internationally with a year of study in Rome during 1953 and 1954, eventually obtaining his doctorate in 1955 under Popken with a thesis on the zeros of Dirichlet series.
University of Amsterdam Tenure
In 1961, Lekkerkerker accepted a professorship at the University of Amsterdam, replacing Nicolaas Govert de Bruijn. He directed the Mathematical Institute through the turbulent years between 1969 and 1973, a period marked by significant student protests. His career at the university concluded in 1984 when he resigned his post prematurely. This decision stemmed from professional disagreements regarding the teaching of mathematical analysis, as he believed his academic freedom was increasingly constrained.
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Beyond his primary publication in 1969, Lekkerkerker's research encompassed geometric number theory, graph theory, and topology. Notably, he produced work on the representation of integers by non-consecutive Fibonacci numbers two decades before Edouard Zeckendorf published his own similar theorem in 1972. During the 1970s, his interests shifted toward the mathematical foundations of nuclear and astrophysics, specifically regarding neutron and radiation transport. This research involved collaborations with Rutger Hangelbroek and Hans Kaper of the Argonne National Laboratory, resulting in the 1982 publication Spectral Methods in Linear Transport Theory.
Post-Retirement Activity
Even after stepping down from his professorial duties, Lekkerkerker remained professionally engaged. He collaborated with Peter M. Gruber to produce a second edition of his 1969 work, Geometry of Numbers, which was later translated into Russian by Nauka in 2008. His contributions to the Mathematical Society continued through his work as co-editor of the Mededelingen van het Wiskundig Genootschap until his death on 24 July 1999.
Fast facts
- Born: 7 February 1922, Harmelen, Netherlands
- Died: 24 July 1999
- Doctoral advisor: Jan Popken
- Primary employer: University of Amsterdam
- Academic focus: Analytic and geometric number theory
- Notable work: Geometry of Numbers
- Citizenship: Kingdom of the Netherlands
Questions readers ask
Why did Gerrit Lekkerkerker resign from the University of Amsterdam?
He resigned in 1984 due to disagreements regarding the teaching of mathematical analysis and a perceived threat to his academic freedom.
Did Lekkerkerker publish work on Fibonacci numbers?
Yes, he published results on the representation of integers by non-consecutive Fibonacci numbers 20 years before the same result was attributed to Edouard Zeckendorf.
What subjects did he research in his later career?
He focused on the mathematical treatment of nuclear physics, including neutron transport and radiation transport within stars.
Achievements
- Held posts at University of Amsterdam, University of Amsterdam and University of Amsterdam
