The Calculus of Braids

Everyone knows what braids are whether they be made of hair knitting wool or electrical cables. However it is not so evident that we can construct a theory about them i.e. to elaborate a coherent and mathematically interesting corpus of results concerning them. This book demonstrates that there is a resoundingly positive response to this question: braids are fascinating objects with a variety of rich mathematical properties and potential applications. A special emphasis is placed on the algorithmic aspects and on what can be called the ''calculus of braids'' in particular the problem of isotopy. Prerequisites are kept to a minimum with most results being established from scratch. An appendix at the end of each chapter gives a detailed introduction to the more advanced notions required including monoids and group presentations. Also included is a range of carefully selected exercises to help the reader test their knowledge with solutions available.