Henri Poincare and Einstein's Theory of Relativity

Abstract

Contrary to the opinion of some who have written on the history of relativity, the author argues that Henri Poincaré did not anticipate Einstein's special theory of relativity; but rather, that Poincaré was intent on an entirely different program—the perfection of the Lorentz theory of electrons. It is also suggested that Poincaré was not consistent in his use of the so-called “conventional” point of view.