Later, after Hilbert did work in algebraic number theory and geometry, and created the "Hilbert space," he was an early promoter of the general theory of relativity. In 1934 and 1939 he published two works attempting to develop a "proof theory," which is a direct check for the consistency of mathematics. But in 1931 [[Kurt Godel]] had already proved that this goal was impossible. | Later, after Hilbert did work in algebraic number theory and geometry, and created the "Hilbert space," he was an early promoter of the general theory of relativity. In 1934 and 1939 he published two works attempting to develop a "proof theory," which is a direct check for the consistency of mathematics. But in 1931 [[Kurt Godel]] had already proved that this goal was impossible. |