On the history of the algebraic theory of quadratic forms (Q2704208)

The opening sentences of the article give an adequate information on its contents: `The purpose of these remarks is not to give a complete and systematic history of the algebraic theory of quadratic forms. Rather, I shall concentrate on some aspects neglected in the existing literature, and others on which I can report from personal experience.' NEWLINENEWLINENEWLINEThe seven sections of the article are titled as follows. 1. A quick summary (functorial properties, structure theorems, Hasse principle, generalizations, Pfister forms, generic splitting, formally real fields, field invariants). 2. Quadratic forms over arbitrary fields: the work of Dickson (here a forgotten 1907 paper of L. E. Dickson (see JFM 38.0182.02)), where the cancellation law was proved for the first time, is discussed). 3. The work of A. Pfister. 4. Algebraic topology. 5. Unpublished work (Kneser's, Harder's, Ax's). 6. Some reminiscences 1962-1970. 7. An outlook. References.NEWLINENEWLINEFor the entire collection see [Zbl 0956.00036].