whatWhat is the solution, f(n)$f(n)$, of the following functional equation: mf(m)+nf(n)=(m+n+xmn)f(m+n+xmn)
$$mf(m)+nf(n)=(m+n+xmn)f(m+n+xmn) ,$$
where f$f$ takes on integer values, m$m$ and n$n$ are integers, and x$x$ is an indeterminate? It is a fundamental step in the proof of a famous theorem of Weierstrass that a non rational-rational meromorphic function which admits an algebraic addition theorem is necessarily periodic. The equation, due to A.R. Forsyth, is "solved" by him using theaccording to his following wordsdescription: "Since the left-hand side is the sum of two functions of distinct and independent magnitudes, the form of the equation shewsshows that it can be satisfied only only if x= 0$x= 0$,so that..." I
I am unable to follow this proof that necessarily x=0$x=0$. If one can show it, then it is easy to show that the only solution of the functional equation is f(n)= a$f(n)= a$ constant.