1976a

The following is a paper by H. Aspden published in International Journal of Theoretical Physics, v. 15, pp. 263-264 (1976).

'THE FRESNEL FORMULA APPLIED TO EMPTY SPACE'

Abstract: Scalar field theories require the refractive index of empty space to diverge from unity. First-order divergence is analysed using the Fresnel formula. There is no divergence for an observer in linear motion with the space frame.

Commentary: In developing an aether theory the author had suffered severe criticism by referees who insisted that Einstein's theory precluded belief in an aether. The null result of the Michelson-Morley experiment had, in their view, demolished the aether concept. Yet in the text of 'Physics without Einstein' (1969b) the author had shown how easy it was to bring to bear an analogy from the effect which a moving transparent body has on light. This paper brought the author's prior-published case into an orthodox scientific periodical to underline the fact that the aether really is compatible with the Michelson-Morley observation. Readers pursuing this point will, however, find that the extended treatment on pp. 99 to 106 of Physics without Einstein deals far more thoroughly with this subject. This paper had, however, no impact on the scientific community which had already abandoned all thought of the vacuum as a real medium warranting interpretation using conventional physics.