On solids whose (entire) surface can be unfolded onto a plane

TL;DR

This paper discusses Euler's methods for deriving equations of developable surfaces, providing historical insights into differential geometry and the mathematical techniques used to unfold solid surfaces onto planes.

Contribution

It presents Euler's original methods for describing developable surfaces, highlighting their historical significance in the development of differential geometry.

Findings

Euler's methods for developable surfaces are foundational in differential geometry.

The paper offers a historical perspective on geometric unfolding techniques.

It connects classical methods to modern differential geometry concepts.

Abstract

This is the English translation of Leonhard Euler's Latin paper "De solidis quorum superficiem in planum explicare licet". Euler explains several methods to obtain equations for developable surfaces. Therefore, this paper might be interesting for anyone studying the history of Differential Geometry.