Boris Nikolaevich Delone

Born Mar. 3 (15), 1890, in St. Petersburg. Soviet mathematician. Corresponding member of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR (1929) and a member of the Leopoldine German Academy of Naturalists (1962). Son of N. B. Delone.

Delone graduated from the University of Kiev in 1913. He was a professor at Leningrad University from 1922 to 1935 and at Moscow University from 1935 to 1942. In 1932 he also began working at the Institute of Mathematics of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR. His principal works in number theory deal with the theory of indeterminate third-degree equations with two unknowns. His works in algebra deal with the geometrization of Galois’ theory, and those in geometry, with the theory of the regular subdivision of space, the theory of the reduction of quadratic forms, the theory of lattice coverings of space by spheres, and the theory of stereohedra. Delone interpreted and systematized the foundations of geometrical crystallography from a new point of view and found an algorithm for the regular positioning of crystals. One of the oldest Soviet mountaineers, he received the title of Master of Alpinism in 1937. He has been awarded the Order of Lenin and the Order of the Red Banner of Labor as well as various medals.