The doctoral thesis submitted by Paul Fritz Helmuth Gericke in 1931 addressed the Volta effect, marking the commencement of an academic career that spanned over seven decades. While his early research focused on pure mathematics, specifically differential geometry and complex numbers, he transitioned toward the historical analysis of mathematical development during the post-war era.
Academic Formation and Early Research
Born in Aachen in 1909, Gericke undertook his university studies between 1926 and 1931 at the University of Greifswald, Marburg University, and the University of Göttingen. Following his 1931 doctorate, he served as an assistant to Wilhelm Süss at the University of Freiburg, where he completed his habilitation in 1941. His early published output, produced between 1935 and 1953, included papers on convex sets, circles, and algebraic structures, establishing his initial footing in the field.
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The post-1945 period proved pivotal for Gericke's academic direction. Collaborating with Wilhelm Süss, he contributed to the development of the Mathematical Research Institute Oberwolfach. During this time, he met Joseph Ehrenfried Hofmann, whose work initiated Gericke’s deep interest in the history of mathematics. Beginning in 1947, he delivered lectures on historical topics at Freiburg and sought support from Heinrich Behnke to facilitate his writing. This pivot resulted in several monographs examining the evolution of mathematical concepts from Ancient Greece through the 19th century.
Leadership at LMU Munich
In 1963, Gericke accepted a professorship at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, where he served as the institution's first Professor of the History of Science. He founded the Institute for the History of Science to formalize this discipline. His administrative duties also included a term as deputy chairman of the German Society for the History of Medicine, Science and Technology starting in 1964. He continued his work until attaining emeritus status in 1977.
Major Publications
Gericke produced a substantial body of literature, ranging from specialized academic papers to broad historical syntheses. Notable works include his 1970 study on the history of the number concept and his 1990 volume covering Western mathematics from Roman surveyors to Descartes. In 2003, his significant texts on the mathematics of antiquity, the Orient, and the West were reissued as a comprehensive collection. He also edited chronicles for organizations such as the German Mathematical Society and the GAMM.
Fast facts
- Born: 7 May 1909, Aachen
- Died: 15 August 2007, Freiburg im Breisgau
- Primary Field: History of Mathematics
- Key Employer: Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
- Doctoral Thesis Subject: Volta effect
- Member: International Academy of the History of Science
- Habilitation Year: 1941
- Languages: German
Questions readers ask
What were Gericke's primary areas of mathematical research?
He initially worked on differential geometry, complex numbers, and convex point sets before shifting his professional focus to the history of mathematics.
Where did Gericke establish his academic career?
He was associated with the University of Freiburg and later held a professorship at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, where he established the Institute for the History of Science.
Achievements
- Held posts at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
- Fields: mathematics, history of mathematics and differential geometry
