Operational Proofs of Some Identities

Abstract

The interest of pure mathematicians is nowadays shifting from the study of special functions to general function theory. In fact the study of special functions might ultimately be forsaken, as for example in geometry the study of the triangle is now virtually a closed chapter, were it not for one important consideration. That is, that these functions must always be in constant use in mathematical physics. Hence their properties tend to become questions of practical application rather than of theoretical interest. It follows that there is a demand for some method, even if only a formal one, which will derive the required properties in an expeditious manner, without always calling for the services of the professional pure mathematician.