Let $H$ be a Hilbert space, and $H'$ the dual space. Here are 2 different versions of the Riesz Representation theorem:
Every $F \in H'$ has the form $F(X) = \langle y_F, x \rangle$ for some $y_F \in H$. Moreover, $\|F\|_{H'} = \|y_F\|_H$.
The map $J: H \to H'$ defined by $(Jy) (x) : = \langle x, y \rangle$ is an isometric isomorphism.
I can't quite show the equivalence of the two, particularly how the second would imply the first. I have a feeling it's quite straightforward but I'm just missing it. Thanks!
P.S, I am also curious about why it follows that for all $A \in \mathcal{L}(H,H)$ there is a unique linear $A^*$ with $\langle Ax, y \rangle = \langle x, A^* y \rangle$.
In regards to the last part. Define, for each $y \in H$, the linear functional $l_y$, given by $l_y(x) = \langle Ax,y \rangle$. By Riesz, for each $y$, there is some $A^*y$ such that $l_y(x) = \langle x , A^*y \rangle$ for each $x \in H$. It's then an easy exercise to check that the mapping $y \mapsto A^*y$ is linear.