Meromorphic functions, divisors, and proective curves: an introductory survey

The subject matter of this survey has to do with holomorphic maps from a compact Riemann surface to projective space, which are also called algebrac curves; the theory we survey lies at the crossroads of function theory, projective geometry, and commutative algebra (although we should mention that the present survey de-emphasizes the algebraic aspect). Algebraic curves have been vigorously and continuously investigated since the time of Riemann. The reasons for the preoccupation with algebraic curves amongst mathematicians perhaps have to do with-other than the usual usual reason, namely, the herd mentality prompting us to follow the leads of a few great pioneering methematicians in the field-the fact that algebraic curves possess a certain simple unity together with a rich and complex structure. From a differential-topological standpoint algebraic curves are quite simple as they are neatly parameterized by a single discrete invariant, the genus. Even the possible complex structures of a fixed genus curve afford a fairly complete description. Yet there are a multitude of diverse perspectives (algebraic, function theoretic, and geometric) often coalescing to yield a spectacular result.