Alexander Vasilievich Vasiliev and mathematics in Russia in the late XIX - early XX centuries

The report is devoted to the scientific, pedagogical and organizational activities of the Kazan mathematician Alexander Vasilievich Vasilyev (1853-1929) and his role in the development of the Russian and international mathematical community in the last third of the XIX - first quarter of the XX century. Being a native of the Kazan professorship, Vasilyev from childhood was immersed in the atmosphere of university life. After graduating from St. Petersburg University, he devoted himself to scientific and teaching activities at Kazan University. Vasiliev was the founder of the Kazan Mathematical Society. Having moved to Petersburg, he taught at the St. Petersburg University, was the chairman of the revived Petrograd Mathematical Society, a member of the State Council from the Academy of Sciences and universities. On his initiative Lobachevsky's works were published; he wrote a book about Lobachevski; was publishing a series of "New Ideas in Mathematics", wrote a lot on the history of mathematics. He became the first Russian corresponding member of the International Academy of the History of Science. Vasilyev was well aware of the tendencies in the development of international scientific life, spending a lot of time on foreign scientific missions and having an active social position. He was vice-chairman of the 4th International Congress of Mathematicians. After the First World War, his energy, knowledge of European mathematical life and organizational talent contributed to the restoration of international scientific cooperation.