Topics in Direct Differential Geometry

Abstract

In the theory of curves, one often makes differentiability assumptions in order that analytic methods can be used. Then one tries to weaken these assumptions as much as possible. The theory of curves which is presented here uses geometric methods, such as central projection, rather than analysis. In this way, no analytic assumptions are needed and a purely geometric theory results. Since this theory is not so well known as the analytic one, I have tried to make the treatment as self-contained as possible. It is hoped that this paper will form a quick introduction for a reader who has had no previous acquaintance with the subject.We assume that our curves satisfy a condition, which we call direct differentiability. Roughly this condition is that, at each point of the curve, all the osculating spaces exist.