A characteristic property of spheres

Summary We prove: Let S be a closed n-dimensional surface in an(n+1)-space of constant curvature (n ≥ 2); k₁ ≥ ... ≥ k_n denote its principle curvatures. Let φ(ξ₁, ..., ξ_n) be such that . Then if φ(k₁, ..., k_n)=const on S and S is subject to some additional general conditions (those(II ₀) or(II) n^o 1), S is a sphere. To Enrico Bompiani on his scientific Jubilee