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Drew Armstrong
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History of Study's Lemma?

The following theorem is usually attributed to Eduard Study:

Let $f(x,y)$ and $g(x,y)$ be polynomials in two variables over a field, with $f$ irreducible. If $f\nmid g$ then the curves $C_f:f=0$ and $C_g:g=0$ have finitely many points of intersection. Consequently, If the field is algebraically closed and $C_f\subseteq C_g$ (hence $C_f\cap C_g$ has infinitely many points) then $f|g$.

However, I have not been able to track down any reference to this result outside of modern textbooks.

Questions:

  • What is the original reference for this result?
  • What did Study actually prove?
  • What was the context? (I presume that Study was looking at invariant theory of ternary forms.)
  • Did this result directly influence later versions of the Nullstellensatz?

Thanks.

Drew Armstrong
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