The University: Figures of Abstraction

Modern mathematics has shown that the world of numbers extends far beyond our powers of imagination. This insight arose around 1900, primarily through the work of researchers at the University of Göttingen. It was the world’s leader in mathematical research until its Jewish mathematicians were fired and forced into exile in 1933. Historical three-dimensional mathematical models used for basic research and technological achievements such as the V2 rocket or today’s computers provide surprising insights into the developments that followed from the work of these researchers.