Lagrange's early contributions to the theory of first-order partial differential equations

Abstract

In 1776, J. L. Lagrange gave a definition of the concept of a “complete solution” of a first-order partial differential equation. This definition was entirely different from the one given earlier by Euler. One of the sources for Lagrange's reformulation of this concept can be found in his attempt to explain the occurrence of singular solutions of ordinary differential equations. Another source of the new definition is contained in an earlier treatise of Lagrange [1774] in which he elaborated an approach to first-order partial differential equations briefly indicated by Euler. The method of “variation of constants,” which was fundamental to his argument, suggested to Lagrange the reformulation of the concept of a “complete solution.” In the present paper I shall discuss both sources of the new definition of “completeness.”