We give bounds for the Betti numbers of projective algebraic varieties in terms of their classes (degrees of dual varieties of successive hyperplane sections). We also give bounds for classes in terms of ramification volumes (mixed ramification degrees), sectional genus and, eventually, in terms of dimension, codimension and degree. For varieties whose degree is large with respect to codimension, we give sharp bounds for the above invariants and classify the varieties on the boundary, thus obtaining a generalization of Castelnuovo’s theory for curves to varieties of higher dimension.

An isomorphism invariant is an expression, defined for a configuration in the projective plane, which takes the same value for all isomorphic configurations. Examples are given as well as a general method (Nehring sequences) for constructing such invariants.

A complete answer is given to the question: Under what circumstances is the product of three harmonic homologies in PG(2, F) again a harmonic homology ? This is the natural question to ask in seeking a generalization to projective geometry of the Three Reflection Theorem of metric geometry. It is found that apart from two familiar special cases, and with one curious exception, the necessary and sufficient conditions on the harmonic homologies produce exactly the Three Reflection Theorem.