Lectures on the Calculus of Variations

This pioneering modern treatise on the calculus of variations studies the evolution of the subject from Euler to Hilbert. The text addresses basic problems with sufficient generality and rigor to offer a sound introduction for serious study. It provides clear definitions of the fundamental concepts, sharp formulations of the problems, and rigorous demonstrations of their solutions. Many examples are solved completely, and systematic references are given for each theorem upon its first appea...