The early historical roots of Lee-Yang theorem

TL;DR

This paper explores the historical origins of the Lee-Yang theorem, revealing that aspects of entire function theory played a foundational role in its development within statistical physics.

Contribution

It provides a detailed historiographical analysis uncovering the mathematical roots of the Lee-Yang theorem in entire function theory.

Findings

Identifies the mathematical roots of the Lee-Yang theorem in entire function theory.

Highlights the historical development of the theorem within the context of statistical mechanics.

Connects mathematical concepts to the formalization of phase transition theory.

Abstract

A deep and detailed historiographical analysis of a particular case study concerning the so-called Lee-Yang theorem of theoretical statistical mechanics of phase transitions, has emphasized what real historical roots underlie such a case study. To be precise, it turned out that some well-determined aspects of entire function theory have been at the primeval origins of this important formal result of statistical physics.