A Discrete Schwarzian Derivative via Circle Packing

There exists an extensive and fairly comprehensive discrete analytic function theory which is based on circle packing. This paper introduces a faithful discrete analogue of the classical Schwarzian derivative to this theory and develops its basic properties. The motivation comes from the current lack of circle packing algorithms in spherical geometry, and the discrete Schwarzian derivative may provide for new approaches. A companion localized notion called an intrinsic schwarzian is also investigated. The main concrete results of the paper are limited to circle packing flowers. A parameterization by intrinsic schwarzians is established, providing an essential packing criterion for flowers. The paper closes with the study of special classes of flowers that occur in the circle packing literature. As usual in circle packing, there are pleasant surprises at nearly every turn, so those not interested in circle packing theory may still enjoy the new and elementary geometry seen in these flowers.