Differential Geometry in the Large: Seminar Lectures New York University 1946 and Stanford University 1956

These notes consist of two parts: Selected in York 1) Geometry, New 1946, Topics University Notes Peter Lax. by Differential in the 2) Lectures on Stanford Geometry Large, 1956, Notes J.W. University by Gray. are here with no essential They reproduced change. Heinz was a mathematician who mathema- Hopf recognized important tical ideas and new mathematical cases. In the phenomena through special the central idea the of a or difficulty problem simplest background is becomes clear. in this fashion a crystal Doing geometry usually lead serious allows this to to - joy. Hopf's great insight approach for most of the in these notes have become the st- thematics, topics I will to mention a of further try ting-points important developments. few. It is clear from these notes that laid the on Hopf emphasis po- differential Most of the results in smooth differ- hedral geometry. whose is both t1al have understanding geometry polyhedral counterparts, works I wish to mention and recent important challenging. Among those of Robert on which is much in the Connelly rigidity, very spirit R. and in - of these notes (cf. Connelly, Conjectures questions open International of Mathematicians, H- of gidity, Proceedings Congress sinki vol. 1, 407-414) 1978, .