An Introduction to Electrodynamics from the Standpoint of the Electron Theory (Classic Reprint)

The object of this book is to present a logical development of electromagnetic theory founded upon the principle of relativity. So far as the author is aware the universal procedure has been to base the electrodynamic equations on the experimental conclusions of Coulojnb A mpS re andF araday even books on the principle of relativity going no farther than to show that these equations are covariant for theL orentz-E instein transformation. As the dependence of electromagnetism on the relativity principle is far more intimate than is suggested by this covariance it has seemed more logical to derive the electrodynamic equations directly from this principle. The analysis necessary for the development of the theory has been much simplified by the use of Gibbs vector notation. While it is difficult for those familiar with the many conveniences of this notation to understand why it has not come into universal use among physicists the belief that some readers might not be conversant with the sy