The Origin of Point-Set Topology

Abstract

I have restricted my researches to the origin of general topology and carried my work past 1900. Within this framework, going back before Cantor's conception of set theory (1879-1884) is of little specific importance; but since I had already put in considerable time on this period and the quarter was drawing to a close, I decided to include it. I do feel, however, that I can justify the inclusion of the topological work before Cantor, for, without it, the topological interest and ideas which were extended after Cantor's contribution would have bean lacking, although the majority of these topological works before 1880 was algebraic in nature.