Abstract
IT is, perhaps, not generally realised that the theory of space and time, to which Minkowski was led on experimental grounds, had been formulated on general principles sixty-five years previously by Hamilton, the Irish mathematician. The point is, however, of interest, not merely as a question of priority, but for the insight it affords into the philosophic basis of the theory, as well as for the useful mathematical methods it suggests.
Similar content being viewed by others
Article PDF
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
SYNGE, E. The Space-Time Hypothesis before Minkowski. Nature 106, 693 (1921). https://doi.org/10.1038/106693a0
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/106693a0
Comments
By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines. If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate.