Dehn, Max, 1878-1952

Max Dehn (1878-1952) was a German mathematician known for his contributions to geometry, topology, group theory, and the history of mathematics. Born in Hamburg, Germany, he studied mathematics in Freiburg and Göttingen, where he earned his doctorate under the supervision of David Hilbert in 1900. In 1901, he solved Hilbert's third problem, posed at the International Congress of Mathematicians. Dehn began his teaching career at the University of Münster in 1901, and, after teaching at several institutions, he landed at Frankfurt University (1921-1935). In 1935, the Nazis forced him to leave his post; he and his wife fled Europe for the United States in 1941. After teaching in several universities, he found a permanent position at Black Mountain College in North Carolina in 1945. Dehn remained at the college until he retired in 1952.

From the guide to the Max Dehn Papers 86-4; 93-476; 2003-093; 2007-072., 1899-1979, (Dolph Briscoe Center for American History, The University of Texas at Austin)