Dick and Liz Askey's visit to U.S.S.R. in 1987, and how the discrete Askey scheme also originated in Russia

TL;DR

This paper explores the independent development of the discrete Askey scheme in Russia, detailing Askey's 1987 visit and interactions with key Russian mathematicians, highlighting historical and mathematical insights.

Contribution

It reveals how the discrete Askey scheme originated independently in Russia and provides historical context through Askey's 1987 visit and personal accounts.

Findings

The discrete Askey scheme was independently developed in Russia.

Askey's 1987 visit facilitated key mathematical exchanges.

Historical details of Askey's trip and Russian mathematical community.

Abstract

This paper describes how the discrete Askey scheme independently arose in Russia and how Askey learned about this. In particular, Askey met main characters in this story, namely Gel'fand and Suslov as well as Nikiforov and Uvarov, during his trip to U.S.S.R, in September 1987. The paper describes this trip in some detail, in particular based on the diary of Askey's wife Liz, who accompanied him. Dick and Liz Askey continued their trip by visits to Japan, Australia and India. Schedules of these three visits are also given.