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§ 15. Einstein's Electrodynamics
In Einstein's special relativity paper, On the Electrodynamics of Moving Bodies (1905), Einstein states the luminiferous ether is superfluous. "The introduction of a “luminiferous ether” will prove to be superfluous." (Einstein2, Intro) yet later Einstein is supporting the existence of an ether, composed of matter.
"Still, the negative result of one of these experiments presented a real headache for the theoreticians: I am speaking of the famous investigations by Michelson and Morley." (Einstein4, § 3, p. 120, 1910).
"Before explaining how these difficulties were overcome, we will show that even in particular cases, the theory based on the existence of the ether does not always offer an intellectually satisfying explanation of the phenomena, even though that representation is not in direct conflict with experiment." (Einstein4, § 3, p. 122, 1910).
"Although the estimated difference between these two times is exceedingly small, Michelson and Morley performed an experiment involving interference in which this difference should have been clearly detectable. But the experiment gave a negative result — a fact very perplexing to physicists. Lorentz and FitzGerald rescued the theory from this difficulty by assuming that the motion of the body relative to the æther produces a contraction of the body in the direction of motion, the amount of contraction being just sufficient to compensate for the difference in time mentioned above." (Einstein6, § 16, 1917).
"More careful reflection teaches us, however, that the special theory of relativity does not compel us to deny ether. We may assume the existence of an ether;" (Einstein7, Lecture, 1920).
"Recapitulating, we may say that according to the general theory of relativity space is endowed with physical qualities; in this sense, therefore, there exists an ether." (Einstein7, Lecture, 1920).
Einstein is diametrically supporting the ether, composed of matter yet the ether does not physically exist which voids Einstein's special relativity.