Note 23 — Front matter (continued 8)

Thus to give a simple case: Let x = 3, y = 4, z = 5, and n = 2. Then 32 + 42 = 52. What the professor had in his mind was a general expression which would embody all cases, in which n may be any integer. It is well-known that Fermat discovered the solution, but it was unfortunately lost, although his papers were searched through at his death. The prize is still open for competition, 1916. All particulars can be obtained from the rector of the University of Göttingen. (G.L.J.)