Algebraic Theory of Differential Equations

A unique introduction to the subject, reflecting different approaches to the integration of differential equations.

These selected contributions reflect different approaches to the integration of differential equations, originating from Differential Galois Theory, Symmetry, Integrability and Soliton Theory. The ideas of several mathematical communities are here brought together and connections between them sought.Integration of differential equations is a central problem in mathematics and several approaches have been developed by studying analytic, algebraic, and algorithmic aspects of the subject. One of these is Differential Galois Theory, developed by Kolchin and his school, and another originates from the Soliton Theory and Inverse Spectral Transform method, which was born in the works of Kruskal, Zabusky, Gardner, Green and Miura. Many other approaches have also been developed, but there has so far been no intersection between them. This unique introduction to the subject finally brings them together, with the aim of initiating interaction and collaboration between these various mathematical communities. The collection includes a LMS Invited Lecture Course by Michael F. Singer, together with some shorter lecture courses and review articles, all based upon a mini-programme held at the International Centre for Mathematical Sciences (ICMS) in Edinburgh.