The symbol of a singular integral operator, introduced by Solomon Mikhlin, provided the fundamental basis for the development of the theory of pseudodifferential operators. Born in 1908 in Cholmieč, Mikhlin navigated a complex professional path within the Soviet academic landscape, establishing himself as a significant contributor to mathematical analysis, numerical analysis, and the study of linear elasticity.
Academic Foundations and Early Career
Mikhlin began his formal education at Herzen University in 1923, graduating in 1927. He subsequently transferred to the Faculty of Physics and Mathematics at Saint Petersburg University, where he completed his studies in 1929 under the supervision of Vladimir Ivanovich Smirnov. His early career included teaching roles in Leningrad before he secured a position at the Seismological Institute of the USSR Academy of Sciences in 1932. By 1935, he earned the degree of Doctor of Sciences in Physics and Mathematics, achieving the rank of professor two years later.
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During the Second World War, Mikhlin served as a professor at the Kazakh National Agrarian Research University in Alma Ata. Following his return in 1944, he joined the faculty at Saint Petersburg State University, where he remained until 1986. Within the university's Research Institute of Mathematics and Mechanics, he directed the Laboratory of Numerical Methods from 1964. His scholarly output included numerous textbooks and monographs, with research focusing on the theory of shells, the Cosserat spectrum, and the plane elasticity problem.
International Recognition and Political Isolation
Despite significant scientific stature, Mikhlin faced professional marginalization within the Soviet Union due to the political climate. While he participated in the 1958 International Congress of Mathematicians in Edinburgh, his later recognition often required unconventional efforts from foreign colleagues. In 1981, the Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei elected him as a member, choosing this title specifically to provide an honor that could not be confiscated by Soviet authorities. He was also a member of the German Academy of Sciences Leopoldina and received the Order of the Badge of Honour in 1961.
Final Years
Mikhlin continued his academic contributions as a senior researcher until his death in 1990. On 29 August of that year, while traveling on public transport in Saint Petersburg, he suffered a fatal stroke. Due to the lack of identification at the time of the event, his death date was subject to uncertainty in various records. He was survived by his second wife, Eugenia Yakovlevna Rubinova.
Fast facts
- Born: 1908, Cholmieč
- Died: 1990, Saint Petersburg
- Education: Herzen University, Saint Petersburg University
- Fields of study: Mathematical analysis, numerical analysis, linear elasticity
- Employment: Saint Petersburg State University, Academy of Sciences of the USSR
- Academic title: Doctor of Sciences in Physics and Mathematics
- International memberships: Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei, German Academy of Sciences Leopoldina
Questions readers ask
What was Solomon Mikhlin's main contribution to mathematics?
He introduced the symbol of a singular integral operator, which became a foundational element in the theory of pseudodifferential operators.
Why was his election to the Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei notable?
Members elected him specifically to grant an honor that Soviet authorities could not seize, unlike monetary prizes.
Achievements
- Held posts at Saint Petersburg State University, Academy of Sciences of the USSR and Kazakh National Agrarian Research University
- Fields: mathematical analysis, numerical analysis and mathematics
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