Re: The End of Science

[dykstrad@varney.idbsu.edu (Dewey Dykstra, Jr.)]

> > I suppose the aether (or lack thereof) might be considered -- but I don't
> > think Einstein even knew about this experiment. (???)
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Jim.Green@Snow.edu
> Unclear. In a letter written in 1901, Einstein mentions an idea for
> an improved measurement of motion relative to the ether but seems to
> have become convinced it would not be worth pursuing. Later, he could
> not recall ever having heard of Michelson-Morley when he wrote his
> first paper on relativity. Pais wrote on this issue at some length in
> his bio of Einstein but as I recall he really didn't settle the
> question (can't find my copy right now so I can't check). It is true
> that the original paper (which I can find) makes no mention of the
> experiment.
>
> Paul J. Camp                   "The Beauty of the Universe


Robert Shankland, who was a Professor of Physics at Case Institute of
Technology, interviewed Einstein and asked specifically about this issue.
The interviews are published in two articles in AJP (late 50's I believe).
As I recall the answer was not really clarified, but interesting reading
nonetheless.

Dewey
PS:  I probably would not have known of these two articles, except that I
graduated from Case and had the priviledge of having Prof. Shankland as an
instructor (among others whom I am equally priviledged to have studied with
as an undergraduate there).


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Dewey I. Dykstra, Jr.                   Phone: (208)385-3105
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