History of the theories of electromagnetism

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the historical theories of electromagnetism, particularly focusing on emission theories and their classification. Participants explore whether there have been emission theories that do not involve ballistic emissions or particles, contrasting these with the ideas of Ritz and Newton.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Historical, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether any emission theories exist that suggest purely wave-like emissions without involving particles or a medium, such as the aether.
  • Another participant proposes that Maxwell's equations might represent such a theory, though they express uncertainty about the classification of emission theories.
  • A later reply seeks clarification on the concept of emission theories that do not involve particles, indicating a lack of clarity in the original question.
  • Links to a book on the history of electrodynamics are shared, suggesting further reading on the topic.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion does not reach a consensus on the existence of non-ballistic emission theories, and participants express uncertainty regarding the classification of such theories.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge limitations in their understanding and the clarity of the questions posed, indicating that the topic may involve complex definitions and historical nuances.

MacOfficial
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I have lately been reading, with interest, the history leading up to Einstein's work as well as some of the debate that ensued after his theories were published. In particular, I was reading some of the ideas Ritz proposed and the disproof of his theories by de Sitter. A question occurred to me, though, while I was reading and I am hoping someone here might know the answer to it. Were there any emission theories ever proposed that did not involve a "ballistic" emission? In other words, were there (or are there) any emission theories (unlike Ritz or even Newton) that suggested the emission was purely a wave and had nothing to do with particle of some sort being emitted and also did not involve some sort of medium, like the so-called aether?
 
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MacOfficial said:
were there (or are there) any emission theories (unlike Ritz or even Newton) that suggested the emission was purely a wave and had nothing to do with particle of some sort being emitted
Isn’t that Maxwell’s equations? If not, I am not sure what you mean by an emission theory emitting waves.
 
Dale said:
Isn’t that Maxwell’s equations? If not, I am not sure what you mean by an emission theory emitting waves.

Well, I guess I am not sure. Maybe it is Maxwell's equations. I am not entirely sure I know how to phrase the question. What I am curious about is an emission theory that cannot be classified as a ballistic emission theory - like Ritz's or Newton's. Was, to your knowledge, such a theory ever proposed that did not involve some sort of particle being emitted from the light source?

I apologize in advance for not being able to be more clear. Maybe what is puzzling me doesn't really make any sense. (Sort of like asking to have a "married bachelor" explained, you know?)
 

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