functional_analysis m21k Functional analysis is that branch of mathematics and specifically of analysis which is concerned with the study of spaces of functions. It has its historical roots in the study of transformations such as the Fourier_transform and in the study of differential and integral equations. The word 'functional' goes back to the calculus of variations, implying a function whose argument is a function. Its use in general has been attributed to Volterra. 041009 what's it to you? who go blather from