The state of the science of nonlinear dynamics in 1963.
When Edward Lorenz published his paper in 1963 on the deterministic nonperiodic solutions present in what is now called the "Lorenz Equations," he did so in the context of a rich theory of nonlinear dynamics beginning with the work of Poincare. Here we trace the influences present in his work as well as provide a snapshot of the nonlinear world in 1963 to explain why his paper had such a pervasive effect on the science of nonlinear dynamics and its applications. In doing this, we also discover the critical timing of the development of the computer in this effort.
Merrill
Stephen J
SJ
Department of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI 53201-1881, USA. stephen.merrill@marquette.edu