Nowadays algebra is understood basically as the general theory of algebraic oper ations and relations. It is characterised by a considerable intrinsic naturalness of its initial notions and problems, the unity of its methods, and a breadth that far exceeds that of its basic concepts. It is more often that its power begins to be displayed when one moves outside its own limits. This characteristic ability is seen when one investigates not only complete operations, but partial operations. To a considerable extent these are related to algebraic operators and algebraic operations. The tendency to...