Approach to the Selberg Trace Formula via the Selberg Zeta-Function

The Notes give a direct approach to the Selberg zeta-function for cofinite discrete subgroups of SL (2,#3) acting on the upper half-plane. The basic idea is to compute the trace of the iterated resolvent kernel of the hyperbolic Laplacian in order to arrive at the logarithmic derivative of the Selberg zeta-function. Previous knowledge of the Selberg trace formula is not assumed. The theory is deve...