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60
Relativity: The Special and General Theory
reference?body, which might appropriately be termed a "reference?mollusc", is in the main
equivalent to a Gaussian four?dimensional co?ordinate system chosen arbitrarily. That which gives
the "mollusc" a certain comprehensibility as compared with the Gauss co?ordinate system is the
(really unjustified) formal retention of the separate existence of the space co?ordinates as opposed
to the time co?ordinate. Every point on the mollusc is treated as a space?point, and every material
point which is at rest relatively to it as at rest, so long as the mollusc is considered as
reference?body. The general principle of relativity requires that all these molluscs can be used as
reference?bodies with equal right and equal success in the formulation of the general laws of
nature; the laws themselves must be quite independent of the choice of mollusc.
The great power possessed by the general principle of relativity lies in the comprehensive limitation
which is imposed on the laws of nature in consequence of what we have seen above.
Next: The Solution of the Problem of Gravitation on the Basis of the General Principle of Relativity
Relativity: The Special and General Theory