D'Alembert et les équations aux dérivées partielles

Steven B. Engelsman : D'Alembert and partial differential equations. D'Alembert's application of partial differential calculus to problems of continuum mechanics, as exemplified in his studies on the vibrating string, forms the beginning of the theory of partial differential equations. This article traces back the origins of d'Alembert's mathematical techniques to Euler's geometrical work of the 1730s, thus illustrating the essential break through in the applicability of partial differential calculus achieved by d'Alembert. Furthermore, it confronts d'Alembert's ideas on the aim and scope of the calculus with those of his fellow mathematicians Euler and Daniel Bernoulli.Engelsman Steven B. D'Alembert et les équations aux dérivées partielles. In: Dix-huitième Siècle, n°16, 1984. D'Alembert. pp. 27-37