Differential calculi and linear connections

A method is proposed for defining an arbitrary number of differential calculi over a given noncommutative associative algebra. As an example the generalized quantum plane is studied. It is found that there is a strong correlation, but not a one-to-one correspondence, between the module structure of the 1-forms and the metric torsion-free connections on it. In the commutative limit the connection remains as a shadow of the algebraic structure of the 1-forms. (C) 1996 American Institute of Physics.