The document discusses the gamma function, which generalizes the factorial to non-integer values, originally introduced by Leonhard Euler in the 18th century. It details the history, properties, and various definitions of the gamma function, including its relationship with other mathematical principles such as the beta function and Stirling's approximation. The document also presents proofs and analytical approaches related to the gamma function and highlights significant contributions from mathematicians such as Euler, Legendre, and Gauss.