In de Sitter’s theory, the existence of vast quantities of world-matter
is not required. But beyond a definite distance from an observer, time
itself stands still, so that to the observer nothing can ever “happen”
there. All these theories are still highly speculative in character, but
they have certainly extended the scope of theoretical physics to the
central problem of the ultimate nature of the universe itself.
One outstanding peculiarity still attaches to the concept of electric
force—it is not amenable to any process of being “transformed away” by a
suitable change of framework. H. Weyl, it seems, has developed a
geometrical theory (in hyper-space) in which no fundamental distinction
is made between gravitational and electrical forces.
Einstein’s theory connects up the law of gravitation with the laws of
motion, and serves to establish a very intimate relationship between
matter and physical space-*time. Space, time and matter (or energy) were
considered to be the three ultimate elements in Physics. The restricted
theory fused space-time into one indissoluble whole. The generalised
theory has further synthesised space-time and matter into one
fundamental physical reality. Space, time and matter taken separately
are more abstractions. Physical reality consists of a synthesis of all
three.
P. C. MAHALANOBIS.
Note A.
For example consider a massive particle resting on a circular disc. If
we set the disc rotating, a centrifugal force appears in the field. On
the other hand, if we transform to a set of rotating axes, we must
introduce a centrifugal force in order to correct for the change of
axes. This newly introduced centrifugal force is usually looked upon as
a mathematical fiction—as “geometrical” rather than physical. The
presence of such a geometrical force is usually interpreted as being due
to the adoption of a fictitious framework. On the other hand a
gravitational force is considered quite real. Thus a fundamental
distinction is made between geometrical and gravitational forces.
In the General Theory of Relativity, this fundamental distinction is
done away with. The very possibility of distinguishing between
geometrical and gravitational forces is denied. All axes of reference
may now be regarded as equally valid.
In the Restricted Theory, all “unaccelerated” axes of reference were
recognised as equally valid, so that physical laws were made independent
of uniform absolute velocity. In the General Theory, physical laws are
made independent of “absolute” motion of any kind.
Footnote 1:
See Note 1.
Footnote 2:
See Note 2.
Footnote 3:
See Note 4.
Footnote 4:
See Notes 9 and 12.
Footnote 5:
Note A.
On The Electrodynamics of Moving Bodies
By
A. Einstein.
INTRODUCTION.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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