Hypergeometric functions have occupied a significant position in mathematics for over two centuries. This monograph, by one of the foremost experts, is concerned with the Boyarsky principle which expresses the analytical properties of a certain proto-gamma function. Professor Dwork develops here a theory which is broad enough to encompass several of the most important hypergeometric functions in the literature and their cohomology.

A central theme is the development of the Laplace transform in this context and its application to spaces of functions associated with hypergeometric functions. Consequently, this book represents a significant further development of the theory and demonstrates how the Boyarsky principle may be given a cohomological interpretation. The author includes an exposition of the relationship between this theory and Gauss sums and generalized Jacobi sums, and explores the theory of duality which throws new light on the theory of exponential sums and confluent hypergeometric functions.