Based on the well-established theory of discrete conjugate nets in discrete differential geometry, we propose and examine discrete analogues of important objects and notions in the theory of semi-Hamiltonian systems of hydrodynamic type. In particula
r, we present discrete counterparts of (generalised) hodograph equations, hyperelliptic integrals and associated cycles, characteristic speeds of Whitham type and (implicitly) the corresponding Whitham equations. By construction, the intimate relationship with integrable system theory is maintained in the discrete setting.
A large class of semi-Hamiltonian systems of hydrodynamic type is interpreted as the equations governing families of critical points of functions obeying the classical linear Darboux equations for conjugate nets.The distinguished role of the Euler-Po
isson-Darboux equations and associated Lauricella-type functions is emphasised. In particular, it is shown that the classical g-phase Whitham equations for the KdV and NLS equations are obtained via a g-fold iterated Darboux-type transformation generated by appropriate Lauricella functions.
