The algebra of square matrices of size n 2 over the field of complex numbers is, evidently, the best-known example of a non-commutative alge 1 bra Subalgebras and subrings of this algebra (for example, the ring of n x n matrices with integral entries) arise naturally in many areas of mathemat ics. Historically however, the study of matrix algebras was preceded by the discovery of quatemions which, introduced in 1843 by Hamilton, found ap plications in the classical mechanics of the past century. Later it turned out that quaternion analysis had important applications in field theory. The al...

This two-part volume contains numerous examples and insights on various topics. The authors have taken pains to present the material rigorously and coherently. This book will be immensely useful to mathematicians and graduate students working in algebraic geometry, arithmetic algebraic geometry, complex analysis and related fields.