Julia Robinson and Hilbert's Tenth Problem

Higher mathematics is a very rarefied subject. Despite experts' efforts here to explain the 10th problem posed in 1900 by mathematician David Hilbert (namely: whether a general algorithm can be devised to decide the solvability of Diophantine equations), the question is likely to still be impenetrable to non-specialists at the end of this hour-shy documentary. But even though many will find it hard to grasp the mathematical side of George Csicsery's Julia Robinson and Hilbert's Tenth Problem, viewers will surely appreciate the narrative, which traces the career of Julia Robinson (1919-1985), a pioneer among American women in the field, who not only devoted her life to H10 (as it's called), but was instrumental in finding the negative solution articulated by Yuri Matiyasevich, with whom she developed a professional friendship at a time when associations between Americans and Russians were discouraged. Robinson's story is told with affection and respect, backed by a wide array of archival footage, stills, and recordings, as well as recollections from other mathematicians, and—especially—reminiscences by her sister Constance Reid (author of a biography on Robinson), who provides a warm personal touch. Although this documentary may appeal most to specialists and students in the field—especially since five of the six bonus featurettes on the DVD are on mathematical subjects (the sixth is on Reid)—general viewers will also appreciate this engaging portrait of a gentle and unassuming woman of prodigious natural gifts who opened academic doors previously closed to the fairer sex. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)