Professional Documents
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16, 1930
761
762
PRoc. N. A. S.
continuum.
B. In any coordinate system (x) there exists a unique quadratic differential
form gpdxadx" of signature -2, for the determination of the metric properties of the continuum.
C. At each point P of the continuum there is determined a configuration
consisting of four orthogonal unit vectors issuing from P.
D. Corresponding vectors in the configurations, determined at two points
P and Q of the continuum, are parallel.
E. The components hi of the vectors determining the configuration at any
point P of the continuum, are analytic functions of the xi coordinates.
The quadratic differential form in Postulate B will be referred to as the
fundamental form and its coefficients gas as the components of the fundamental metric tensor. The four unit vectors with components h?'(x),
which enter in Postulates C, D and E, will be referred to as the fundamental vectors. Since these vectors are orthogonal by Postulate C, the
expression gahi'hlk is equal to zero for i # k; the condition that the
fundamental vectors are unit vectors, likewise specified by Postulate C,
means that for i = k, the expression g.Xhlh' has the value 1. Hence
we can write
gashhIk
763
ek(1.1)
where, following Eisenhart,5 the convenient notation ej for + 1 or -1, is
=
W'h = b, hahs = k;
the components h' will be called the covariant components of the fundamental vectors to distinguish them from the contravariant components
hS of these vectors. In consequence of the above relations, equations (1.1)
can be solved so as to obtain
gap
i=l
eighth'(1.2)
E
x + hi Vs = 0.
This gives
AL
hc'i
bhsa
bx-y
(1.3)
764
MATHEMATICS: T. Y. THOMAS
PROC. N. A. S.
*h = ah
(1.4)
A*;
these equations define the quantities ak as analytic functions of the x'
coordinates in consequence of Postulate E. Multiplying both members of
(1.4) by *h'h- we obtain the equations
h,,
(1.5)
a.*7'h
e ea' as =
ek k5
(1.6)
which is obtained from (1.5) as the direct result of the uniqueness of determination of the fundamental form specified by Postulate B. Taking the
determinant of both members of (1.6) we find that the determinant a
has the value 1. We can therefore define uniquely a set of quantities
b' by the equations
a' bi = Sk, aj bSt=a
Another form of the conditions (1.6) which is sometimes useful, can be derived in the following manner. Multiply both members of (1.6) by b,
so as to obtain
emar = elb.,
or
a=
elembl.
ke
aka7 = eker
(1.7)
The transformation (1.4) in which the coefficients a4 are constants satisfying (1.6) or (1.7) will be called an orthogonal transformation of the components of the fundamental vectors.
MATHEMATICS: T. Y. THOMAS
765
2. The idea of the local coordinate system (z) is inherent in the idea of
the configuration formed by the four vectors whose components h? are
subject to the orthogonal transformations (1.4), and, in fact, the construction of the local system was not carried beyond this stage by Einstein.
Nevertheless a configuration of four vectors is not a coordinate system and
we must face the problem of showing exactly how a system of local coordinates z' can be defined. We require of the local system that it satisfy
certain conditions which are stated precisely in the following
POSTULATES OF THE LOCAL SYSTEM
A. With each point P of the space of distant parallelism there is associated a local co6rdinate system (z) having its origin at the point P.
B. The coordinate axes of the local system (z) at the point P are tangent
to the fundamental vectors at P, in such a way that the zi axis is tangent to the
vector with components h? and has its positive direction along the direction
of this vector.
C. The interval ds is given by
(dz4) 2
(2.1)
=eV'
(2.2)
-1=
(A"a+ Ae);
(2.4)
766
PRoc. N. A. S.
( 82Xe
+ AO'
(2.6)
~~~ ~ aazi
z
(Z' 0),
Pi'
~~~~(2.8)
(axo)
ahW(p),
767
(2.9)
(P).
(az )zO *
The values h?(p) are therefore to be ascribed to the above constants P?.
By repeated differentiation of (2.6) and use of the initial conditions (2.7)
and (2.9), we determine the successive coefficients H(p) of the power series
expansions
a
pa + ha (p)zi
- -
2!
Hia (p)z'z'
- Htjk(P)z ZZk -
3!
(2. 10)
4yhqhj,
where
AN= 2
a +
(2.11)
It
and
H'jk
AzahhJi k,
where
Aa= 1 [(
(2.12)
etc. The jacobian of (2.10) does not vanish since it is equal to the determinant 11i (p)I at the origin of the local system; hence (2.10) possesses a
unique inverse. Either the transformation (2.10), or its inverse, gives a
unique defination of the local coordinate system.
3. Let us denote by z' the coordinates of the local system determined
by the point P and the components of affine connection A4y(-x) which
result from the components Ap7(x) by an analytic transformation T
of the Xa coordinates. The relation between the z' and z coordinates
must then be such that
iZ
0 (Z
0) x
ak (Z"
) -(3 .1 )
(ala-*
+ VP ?a--z
Z- = 0.
(3.2)
Hence
i,
(3.3)
MATHEMATICS: T. Y. THOMAS
768
PRoc. N. A. S.
This follows from the fact that (3.3) satisfies (3.2) and the initial conditions (3.1), and that (3.2) possesses a unique solution which satisfies the
conditions (3.1). We can therefore say that the local coordinates z' remain
unchanged when the underlying coordinates xi undergo an arbitrary analytic
transformation T. In a similar manner we can show that when the fundamental vectors undergo an orthogonal transformation (1.4), the local co6rdinates iz associated with any point P likewise undergo an orthogonal transformation, i.e., a linear homogeneous transformation
a'Zk~a:
|=|'
(3.4)
Z eiz'z~
invariant. The behavior of the coordinates z? of the local system (1) under
arbitrary analytic transformations of the xi coordinates, and (2) under orthogonal transformations of the fundamental vectors as described by the
above italicized statements, is of great importance for the development of
the theory of relativity.
4. If we transform the components of a tensor to a system of local coordinates z? and evaluate at the origin of this system, we obtain a set of
quantities which are of the nature of absolute invariants with respect to
transformations of the xt coordinates. To prove this formally we shall find
it convenient to denote a set of tensor components T., (x) with respect
to the (x) system, by t Ikm.l in the (z) coordinate system, i.e., we shall
adopt the convention that in the (z) coordinate system, Latin letters when
|, correspond to indices of covariant or contravariant
enclosed by
character. If we put
T'k...
tik.
.mi)z =
then
Tk~"m (X)
Tk. .-'m(X
(4.1)
t k .i
=
This gives
T k-m T Ihy . .. h h'a. . hj,.
Similarly, if we differentiate the components t any number of times and
evaluate at the origin of the (z) system, we obtain a set of quantities, namely,
...
769
each of which is an absolute invariant with respect to analytic transformations of the xe coordinates. On account of this invariant property, the
name absolute derivatives will be used to refer to these quantities. To derive the explicit formulae for any absolute derivative Tg:]., ... we
have merely to differentiate (4.1) with respect to z... .z and evaluate
at the origin of the (z) system. For example, the first absolute derivative
of the covariant vector with components Ta is given by the formula
TkP = (a
TaA7)
hk 14.
Alj1
14
(4.2)
.3)
(4)Z
=
We note that
also that
(z'
(4.4)
= 0);
|J
hj',k- hLl
(4.5)
and
|~k
- [
LiX~X
Aajp
h'AaB-y hjahk'h7
(4-6)
|
The special formulae (4.5) and (4.6) will be important in our later work.
By (4.3) the absolute derivative M.k... .m is symmetric in the indices
k. . .m. Hence, these quantities satisfy the identities
.70
PRoc. N. A. S.
(4.7)
|h;k...m = h>p...
(6AbI\) zjzk
(4-8)
=0
%zk!
which are equivalent to (2.5), are satisfied identically in the (z) coordinate
system. By repeated differentiation of (4.8) and evaluation at the origin
of the (z) system, we obtain
S
(h1,k ... m) =
|(4.9)
where the symbol S is used to stand for the summation of all the terms obtainable from the one in parenthesis by permutating the indices jk. . m
cyclically. As special cases of the identities (4.9) let us observe that
(4.10)
hjk + hk = 0
and
0.
(4.11)
The identities (4.7) and (4.9) constitute a complete set of identities of the
absolute derivatives hi,*... , in the sense that any other identity satisfied by these quantities is derivable from these identities.8
When we make an orthogonal transformation (1.4) of the components of
the fundamental vectors, the components A!j, go over into a set of components *Aiji referred to the (z*) system, which are related to the ATjj by
(4.12)
*Aji, aiP = AP aj';
this follows from (1.5), (3.4), and (4.2). Differentiating both members of
(4.12) with respect to zk... z and evaluating at the origin of the local
system, we obtain
(4.13)
*hM*..." at = hr ...t a.... .a
We express this result by saying that the absolute derivatives I,k*...
constitute the components of a tensor with respect to orthogonal transformations of the fundamental vectors. A similar discussion can, of course, be made
on the basis of the contravariants components h? of the fundamental vectors; also equations similar to (4.13) give the transformation of the components T*.-. -. or more generally of the components Tk.M,p.. , induced by the transformation (1.4) of the fundamental vectors.9
5. It is the sense of the local coordinate system (z) that the coordinate
771
z' is interpretable as the time coordinate and Z2, Z3, Z4, as rectangular cartesian coordinates of space. Let us, therefore, put
z1
t, Z2
X, z3 = y, z4 =Z
, 6X2
1A +
by2
1A
bZ2
IA
a)t2
(5.1)
EehJ kk=O
k 1
=
(5.2)
as the proposed system of field equations for the unified field theory. The
system (5.2) is obviously invariant with respect to transformations of the xs
coordinates, since the factors which compose the system are themselves
directly invariant; it is also invariant with respect to orthogonal transformations (1.4) of the fundamental vectors. To prove this we observe that
*h_,,klat
hPrsajqdka'
772
MATHEMATICS: T. Y. THOMAS
PROC. N. A. S.
6z
by
bz
at
ax
a:
bz
ox
6z
at
~~~~(6.1)
_az
aY~~~ax
by
Ox
a a
ax
at
az=0
by
Oz
and
a_ 6x
z _j
by
6z
aac
y _ bY
ax
at
1 Z
at
(6.2)
0 _ 6a _> JZ
bx
by
tjax
by
at
bz
where x, y, z are rectangular Cartesian coordinates and t is the time. It
is possible to write the above equations in a more contracted form. For
this purpose we define a set of skew-symmetric quantities Fjk as the elements of the matrix
-x
-Y
-Y
-a
-z -,
(6.3)
E ekFk,k
k=I
0,
(6.4)
MATHEMATICS: T. Y. THOMAS
773
where Fjk,l is now used to denote the ordinary partial derivative of Fik
with respect to z'. The expanded forms of (6.3) and (6.4) give equations
(6.1) and (6.2), respectively. Functions soy of the coordinates x, y, z and
the time t are called electromagnetic potentials if they are such that
Fjk
_
=.bfk
aJZk b'k
aJZ
(6.5)
If the Fjk have the form (6.5), equations (6.3) are satisfied identically.
Now consider the covariant components h' referred to the local system,
i.e., the components Al'1, and put
= A1i1
(6.6)
for a fixed value of the index i; also define a set of quantities Fjk by (6.5),
using the so given by (6.6) for that purpose. Then
Fjk
a k_
az~kl(6.7)
E ekFjkf*
E (ekh>k
ekhkik)
3 4
E ek hJkk.
Hence, the second set of Maxwell's equations (6.4) is satisfied in consequence of the field equations (5.2). In other words, the covariant cornponents of the fundamental vectors when considered as electromagnetic potential vectors, satisfy, in the local coordinate system, the universally recognized
laws of Maxwell for the electromagnetic field in free space, as a consequence
of thefield equations (5.2). This fact strongly suggests that the components
hA will play the r6le of electromagnetic potentials in the present theory.
Taking account of the field equations (5.2) we easily deduce the system
of equations
4
E ekgijkk = 2 E ek el
k=1
k,l =1
-)X2
+ a-2B
+
~a2Bby2
OZ2
Blij,
hik hi.*.
(6.8)
24__(
1- at2
B_
2 E= 1 ekelh, khj'k (6.9)
~~~~~k,1
774
PROc. N. A. S.
at the origin of the local system. Now in the earlier theory of gravitation,
the field equations could be given a form analogous to (6.9) in which the
right members were equal to zero;3 since the nature of the solution of (6.8)
is determined by the form of the left members of (6.9) it follows that the
functions gaff possess the same general character as in the earlier theory of
gravitation. Moreover, the interpretation of the quantities hl as electromagnetic potentials would lead us to expect that in a purely gravitational
field, i.e., more precisely, in a comparatively inappreciable electromagnetic
field, the square of the hlk would be negligibly small quantities. In this
case the right members of (6.9) vanish approximately and we are left with
the system
ij1
ax2
62BI j
ay2
-Blij
_Blij
__
= o
bt2
as a first approximation. It is, therefore, to be expected that the quantities ga, will successfully assume the r6le of gravitational potentials as in
the previous theory of gravitation.
1 A. Einstein, Berliner Berichte, 1928-30.
A. Einstein, "Auf die Riemann-Metrik und den Fern-Parallelismus gegriindete einheitliche Feldtheorie," Math. Ann., 102 (1930), pp. 685-697.
' G. D. Birkhoff, Relativity and Modern Physics, Harvard University Press (1923), pp.
124 and 228.
4 T. Y. Thomas, "The Principle of Equivalence in the Theory of Relativity," Phil.
Mag., 48 (1924), pp. 1056-1068.
6 L. P. Eisenhart, Riemannian Geometry, Princeton University Press (1926), Chap. I.
6This has reference to the path in the sense inwhich that word is used in "The Geometry
of Paths," Trans. Am. Math. Soc., 25 (1923), pp. 551-608.
7 It is obvious that the system of differential equations (2.6) possesses a unique formal
solution
pa" + paZ + -1 pa
x
(a)
z"zj +
S
2! ~
2
such that the conditions (2.7) and (2.8) are satisfied. A proof of convergence of the
series (a) can be given in the following manner. Consider a system of equations
azixzk
(b)
0,
where the ly are analytic functions of the variables Xc. The conditions of integrability of (b) are that
_AP,-
115
+ Fe,
- Fa Fa5 = 0
FPP
equal
to one
L.
MATHEMATICS: T. Y. THOMAS
16, 1930
775
~X1 + *-+ XI
rat-
ere M and p are constants; the system (b) then possesses a unique solution
X"
pa, +
(C)
Xa = Pa (zi =),
axC1
)w choose the above constants M and p so that each function Fib, dominates the corre)nding functions
and, furthermore, choose the pa and Pa such that
Ac',,,
pa2lpaI lp,P>Ica
view of the fact that (c) is likewise a solution of the system
(
a~x
_ F aX ~k )zjzk
O.
s then easily seen that each expansion (c) dominates the corresponding expansion (a).
e convergence of the expansions (a) within a sufficiently small neighborhood of the
ues zi = 0, is therefore established.
I The proof is analogous to that given in my paper "The Identities of Affinely Con-
-~f
hlhk
776
PROC. N. A. S.
12Xa
+ r
IXa-
(a)
(V =o),
= 0 (U = 0),
i ?oy X .ai
and so constitutes a generalization of the process of covariant differentiation or extension, as developed in The Geometry of Paths. In this way we are led to a set of relations
Xa = g" (y, z) which, for Zt = const., denote a transformation to a system of coordinates
9, and which for y9 = const. denote a transformation to a system of coordinates z.
If t(y, z) represents the components of a tensor either in the (y) or (z) coordinate system,
then
6___y__Z_
O, Z
0,
axe
62Xa + ray
a, ?6X8
(.
ayjbyk
(2C++
byl
aX*)yJzk 0O
bX'Y
W)kI yjykA= 0
b-y
ax
) Zjzk
= 0
(z = 0),
(y
(b)
= 0).
The consideration of system (b) enables us, moreover, by imposing initial conditions corresponding to (2.9), to develop a theory of absolute invariants which is a generalization
of that of the above investigation. The details of this process will not be developed here
as it is not necessary for our work on the theory of relativity.
830
MA THEMATICS: T. Y. THOMAS
PRoc. N. A. SE
MATHEMATICS: T. Y. THOMAS
831
defines the divergence of the invariant TjI... m with respect to the index m.
Any covariant index, i.e., covariant under transformations of the fundamental vectors, can of course appear in place of the particular index m in
the definition of the divergence operation. It should be observed that the
term involving the absolute electromagnetic forces 2 hk in the above
formula, corresponds to those which contained the components of affine
connection in the divergence formula of the earlier theory of relativity.
A generalization of the above formula to include invariants T with any
number of contravariant indices could obviously be made but this is not
necessary for the requirements of the present note. On the basis of the
divergence rule we obtain the field equations from the following
POSTULATE OF THE UNIFIED FIELD. The divergence of the absolute electromagnetic forces is equal to zero, i.e.,
Vk hk
(1.1)
There are 16 equations in the system (1.1) for the determination of the
16 electromagnetic potentials h,. By reference to the field equations in
what follows we shall mean equations (1.1) rather than the corresponding
equations of our previous note.
2. Before proceeding further we must derive certain special identities
which we shall need in the following work; this will be done in as concise
a manner as possible. We have
hjt=
ha'.
Hence
h.,k
= 2
[h',k
k j] +
hmjh'kl + hmkhZ'j
(2.1)
(2.2)
when use in made I (4.5) and I (4.10). Interchanging k,l in (2.2) and
adding, we obtain a set of identities which can be reduced to the form
h5,kz = 3 [hj,kj, + h.i,k +
(2.3)
82
hjk,l + h1,Ij +
14i j +
= 2 [I4, h*, + hm,k
j
PROC. N. A. S.
hnst h7'*
(2.4)
AjkimSV
(See Sect. 2 in Note I.) Now transform equations I (4.6) to local coordinates, differentiate, and evaluate at the origin of the local system;
we thus obtain a set of identities which can be written
hj,kl,m
hj,kl
Ajkim + hit
1
,kl
+ hM hi,+
. (2.5)
+ ht ,k hj + h'
t
Interchanging the indices j,k in (2.5) and subtracting the resulting identities from (2.5) we obtain
hjklm - hkjl,m = h,klm- '4jim +
(h'k
(2.6)
To the identities (2.6) we now add those two sets of identities which result
from (2.6) by permutating the indices k,l,m cyclically. By a suitable
arrangement of terms the set of identities so obtained can be given the
form
(2.7)
A;Mm =
hlh4 ,jk)
which we use to eliminate the invariants Alum from (2.5). The result of
this elimination is a set of identities which can be put into the form
3hk,k,m
j, +
h', h',Jk
,, h;,kl).
(2.8)
MATHEMATICS: T. Y. THOMAS
833
(2.9)
Vk hj,k
identically. Hence
= 4
ek (,kk + 4 hrak7,,)
(3.1)
k=
ek
(hj,kk
+ 4 hk h,) =
(3.2)
Ej
k=1
j=1
ej ek
(h,kkj + hj hj,
+ 2h
(3.3)
,kr) = 0
= 3
E3 E ej ek hkj hi
j=l k-l
=2
j=l
4
,
k=1
ej ek hjm
X
(hikk + hrm h j) + 4 j=l
8
4
E
k=l
ej ek
(ki,k Wkj)j
which we use to eliminate the last set of terms from (3.3). As a result
we obtain the set of four identities
.
ei{[
ek
(k7~k k,.k
+4
Mk
Wk,j)
= 0.
(3.4)
MATHEMATICS: T. Y. THOMAS
834
PRoc. N. A. S.
i.e., the divergence of the left member of (1.1) vanishes identically. The identities (3.4) are the mathematical counterpart of the laws of conservation
of the physical world.2
4. If we fail to take into account the conditions imposed by the field
equations on the structure of space, then the number of independent
invariants hM,kh... .1 of order r + 1 in the derivatives of the electromagnetic potentials h$, i.e., the number of arbitrary values (hjad ... 00
which these invariants can assume at a point Q, is
16 K(4, r + 1)- 4K(4, r + 2),
where K(p,q) denotes the number of combinations with repetitions of p
things taken q at a time; this is an immediate consequence of the fact that
I (4.7) and I (4.9) constitute a complete set of identities. We shall denote
the above number by N(r + 1) and observe that we can write
N(r + 1) = 12K(4,r) + 8K(3,r) + 4K(2,r)
It can easily be shown that the number of independent quantities
(hJk,11. .ir)Q is likewise given by N(r + 1). To do this we transform the
expression for hk given by 1 (4.5), to a system of local coordinates, differentiate repeatedly, and evaluate at the origin of the system. We
thereby obtain a system of equations of the form
h ,j
hkjl.l]+ *(4.1)
h'kl..l
where the * is used to denote terms of lower order than those which have
been written down explicitly. Now let P denote the operations of holding j
fixed, permuting the indices k.i.... 1 cyclically, and adding the resulting
=
[^a...lr
terms. Then
- P
(h~j1 ... 1)
+ *
from (4.1) or
= 2 P (h,k,li ... I) + *.
(4.2)
In view of (4.1) and (4.2) it follows that if we consider the quantities
W.; his*; .k. M
el.. _
(r + 2) hkl1.. .
835-
(Vk hik), =
where the dots have been used to denote a linear expression in certain of
the left members of (5.1) plus a linear expression in the quantities in the
left members of (1.1) with coefficients equal to the absolute electromagnetic
forces. Assuming that the h5,k and al their partial derivatives to those of
order r (. 1) inclusive have fixed values at the point Q, it follows that the
number of partial derivatives of the quantities h.,k of order (r + 1) at
Q, whose values are determined as a consequence of equations (1.1), is
at most equal to
16K(4,r) - 4K(4,r - 1).
(5.2)
Hence the arbitrary derivatives of the hj,k of order r + 1 at Q cannot be
less than the difference of N (r + 2) and (5.2), i.e.,
16K(3,r + 1) + 8K(2,r + 1);
for r = 0 this expression likewise gives the number of arbitrary derivatives
of the first order of the hk*. In our next note we shall apply the above
lower bound to the problem of constructing the general existence theorem
for the field equations.
1 These PROCEEDINGS, 16, 761-776 (1930).
2 If we replace (1.1) by
Vk h,k
where D is the analogue of the vector of charge and current density of the classical
theory, then (3.4) yields
Vj Dj = 0.
These latter equations are the analogue of the equation of the classical theory which
shows that electric charge is conserved. We have purposely failed to introduce the
invariants D of unknown structure into our field theory as it is our wish to investigate
the extent to which the physical world can be described by equations of the type (1.1).
48
PROC. N. A. S.
S-c2
49
MATHEMATICS: T. Y. THOMAS
the components ht, are divided into groups which exhibit different degrees
of arbitrariness; for the purpose of exposition we shall presuppose this
fact by dividing these components into suitable groups in accordance
with the following
RULE: The group G, (a = 0, 1, 2, 3) for the components h. is composed
of all components that can be formed from ha by taking a = a + 1 and
i = 1, 2, 3, 4. There are four components h, in G, and we shall denote
these components by Pi, when reference is had to their division into groups.
In an analogous manner the following rule will be selected to divide the
components h,k into groups.
RULE: The group ~5m(m = 0, 1, 2) for the components hi,k is composed
of all components that can be formed from h,,k by taking k = m + 1 and i, j1, 2, 3, 4 subject to the inequality j > m + 1. If there are Km components
hj,A in group 5m, then
Km = 12 - 4m.
We shall denote the components hM in group km by Kim, where I = 1,
Km. It should be observed that the groups G and 05 are mutually exclusive; also that the elements Kim in any group @$m are independent,
i.e., unrelated by equations of the type I (4.10).
2. In terms of the notation introduced in Sect. 1 equations I (4.5)
can be written
6pim +ZP2K,
-)i,
(?=
(2.1)
1, 2,3,4
ff= 1,2,3
\r =1, ..., a/
where the E denotes a homogeneous polynomial, quadratic in the Pi, and
linear in the Kim; also the inequalities ,u < , ,u < v are satisfied by the
indices in these equations.
Now consider equations II (2.4), i.e.,
hj,k,i
hk,j
hl,j,k
= 2 [h', hk,
j
+ ht,k
h1'MJ
+ hm,l
h7,k].
(2.2)
I
Putting
(2.2), these equations show that hj,2,1 for
j > 2 can be expressed in terms of derivatives of the K10 plus a quadratic
polynomial in the Kim. If the contravariant vector component h' $ 0
and if R(P) denotes a rational function of the potentials Pi,, these latter
equations can be given the form
k = 2 and
= 1 in
-xl
R (P) ax +
l
E K2,
MATHEMATICS: T. Y. THOMAS
50
PROC. N. A. S.
(2.3)
(P) K
1, ..., |M
Akhj,k
(3.1)
= 0
_ axl
.k
Whbi
4,3 4,3
2,1
ax I
hi'
b,
3,2
(,XI
bhi4,2
ax,
Whi2,1
aX
aix,
aX2
-hl
-hl
-h2
-hl
-h4
-h4
Wi
4,1
123
h/
124
hl
134
-h4
-h4
234
j=1
hI
.j= 2
j=3
j=4
-hl
-h2
h/
-hl
-h2
4h
h4
h/
h/
4h
-hl
/4
aX2
-hl
h2
h2
h4
-hl
h4
-h2
TABLE 1
h4, d3,2
h4,2
h2,
h2,
h4,
h4,3
MATHEMATICS: T. Y. THOMAS
51
h'
(ekhi'I~2
2}
(3.2)
h
h2 + ahlh2 1
32
( khk '){|h
I shall take this opportunity to express my thanks to Professor Wedderburn for this contribution.
Let us now denote the components h1,,k in the four sets of derivatives
in the first four columns of Table 1 by KI(7 and the components h/,k in the
two sets of derivatives in the last four columns of the table by K72; we
indicate this readily by the following schematic arrangement
K1*1
h$3,1, h4,l,h3,2h4,
K*
a </ =
R (P) a tq +
/m=1, 2
ER (P)K*2
(3.3)
=l...,K*|
1,
a\a
1w
...
M/
piIj
(4.la)
MATHEMATICS: T. Y. THOMAS
52
1l 2, 3, 4; A
j
Vv, =1, 2, 3, 4; v
>
O, 1,p 2, 3
t;v, t >,u
K;q ~2K;q
Kgq ax
a Kv.
and
PROC. N. A. S.
(4.1b)
1q
=12; p= 1; ...,Kg
Vv,
2, 3,4;
>; v, {> q
Now it can be shown that the components hA and also that, subject to the
condition of symmetry in their lower indices, the components A' and A'8
can be assigned arbitrary values at a point Q of the space;' moreover,
arbitrary values can be assigned to these quantities at Q irrespective of
the values at Q of the quantities in (4.lb). The number of arbitrary
A'7 and A' a is therefore equal to 136, and since these quanquantities hA,
are
determined
tities
by the quantities in (4. la), it follows that there can
not be less than 136 of the quantities in (4. la) to which arbitrary values
can be assigned at the point Q. There are also 24 arbitrary quantities
K;p in (4. lb). Now in Note II we established the expression
16K(3, r + 1) + 8K(2, r + 1)
as a lower bound to the number of arbitrary derivatives of the (r + 1)st
order of the quantities h,k. We deduce from this that no less than 184
of the derivatives of the Kpq in (4.1b) can have arbitrary values at Q.
Hence 136 + 24 + 184, or 344, is a lower bound to the number of arbitrary quantities in (4.1). Now 344 is also the number of arbitrary quantities in (4.1) as deduced by actual calculation based on the admissible
ranges of the indices of these quantities. It follows, therefore, that all
quantities in (4.1) can be given arbitrary values at a point Q of space
and hence that the above system R, giving the conditions of integrability
of (2.1) and (3.3), must be satisfied identically. This gives the following
EXISTENcE THEoREM:
Let
4lm (Xm+1,
v (xU+1 X4)
X4)
[i = 1, 2, 3, 4; a = ,1, 2, 3] m = 1, 2; 1 = 1, ..., Km]
denote sets of functions of the variables x'+1, .. ., x4 and xm+l, ..., x4, respectively, analytic in the neighborhood of the values xa = qa of their arguments; furthermore the via are subject to the condition that at ea = qa the
and the expression (3.2) do not vanish.
corresponding determinant
Then there exists one, and only one, set of potentials ha1, in a system of coordinates xa, each function ha(x) being analytic in the neighborhood of the
values xa = qa, which constitutes a set of integrals of the field equations (3.1)
such that
Ih
MATHEMATICS: T. Y. THOMAS
53
[i = 1, 2,3, 4]
. 4..
X4)K1 = *
.x4)
i= 1 2,314; = 1,2,31 Im = 1 2; = 1, . ..,K1
xi
m
qlp ..Xl go,lL x1 q1,
qm J
=
S1:
=
(3=
+1(x3, x4)
(X4),
where the functions so, w are analytic in the neighborhood of some set
of values xs = qs of the coordinates; as so defined any surface S, is contained within the surface Sk provided that the inequality i < k is satisfied.
We shall take the above surfaces Si, S2, S3 and the surface S4, or four
dimensional space itself, as those surfaces which "bear" the data in our
problem. In other words, we now assign the Pi, over the surface S4-, and
the Ki. over the surface 54-m as shown by the scheme
Over S4-m:
Over S4-:
R*
Klm =
Pic = 1i0 (Xc+l . ..., X4)
.(X'+ls, . .*, X4), (5.2)
[i = 1, 2, 3, 4;= 0, 1, 2, 3] [m = 1, 2; 1 = 1, ..., K"]
where the v and 2* are analytic functions of the indicated surface coW
ordinates.
Now let qs denote the co6rdinates of a point on the surface Si and make
the transformation
= X3yl = xi _ (, y2 = X2-, y3,y4 = X4-q4 (5.3)
so that the above surfaces Si, S2, S3 become
iS3: Yl
{:: y
SI:
y2
ty3
(5.4)
=0
0.
54
MATHEMATICS: T. Y. THOMAS
PROC. N. A. S.
absolute electromagnetic forces will be so determined since these quantities, i. e., Klm, are absolute invariants under coordinate transformations.
If we denote the components h' by l with respect to the y coordinate system, then the components 1 in group G, are likewise determined over the
surface S4-,. In connection with the demonstration of this fact we lay
down the following:
DEFINITION: A group of components G which is related by a transformation T to the corresponding components in groups G of the same and lower
serial order, will be said to be closed with respect to the transformation T.
Since the groups Go are closed with respect to the transformation (5.3)
in this sense, the above statement, namely, that the components 1, in
group G,, are determined over the surface S4-,, is immediately evident.
Let us now put
-{J(X3, X4)
= xi _p(X2, XI, X4), P =
''
= X-q4
(X4),
and consider the equation
|ga~ a
(5.5)
ek hk hk-
k=i
ar (aff == 0 I
laEla=1@E1 r2hh2 h"2h I -_
(5.6a)
(5.6b)
Of=
and
ha h | a
=0
MATHEMATICS: T. Y. THOMAS
55
is introduced. Then (1) if we rearrange the rows and columns, and (2) if we multiply by
-] certain of the rows and columns in Table 1, this table assumes the form represented
MATHEMATICS: T. Y. THOMAS
56
PROC. N. A. S.
by Table 2. Denoting V/E1 by i as usual, we now add i times each even column to the
preceding odd column in Table 2 and then subtract i times each odd row from the preceding even row. Table 3 shows the result obtained. By an obvious rearrangement
of rows and columns Table 3 assumes the form given in Table 4, which shows that the
determinant of the elements in Table 1 is equal, apart from algebraic sign which we have
disregarded, to the product of two-fourth order conjugate imaginary determinants.
Expansion of the fourth-order determinant in the lower right hand corner of Table 4
shows that this determinant has the value
(a2
52)[(a/
72
Taking the absolute value of this expression, the expression (3.2) is obtained. The
fact that (3.2) and the determinant formed from the elements in Table 1 have the same
algebraic sign is easily observed by replacing the h? by Kronecker's 5? in (3.2) and Table 1.
0 -c
0 -y
0 -/ 0
'y
a
0 0 a
0 -0 0
0
0
0
a
d
0
0
a
5 000 Y
0
b
a 0
0 /
,B
a -y 0
-ie -e
-iy-y
-y a
-,8 0
0 -,8
a 0
-,B
0
0
d
ic 0 iy 0 a
0 5 0 -/3 0
a
O0
O
a
dO
0 a
5
Y
0
b
a
0
0
/
a
0
O -i-y O a
0O i-y y
/305O -y 0
O0
0
O
TABLE 2
5 0 -# 0
O iy y 5
a
0
0 -iy
TABLE 3
-ic -iy a -/
-c --Y 0
-/
iy
,B
iy
0 00
ic iy a -,B
-/3 a
-iy5
b /3
5 -ib
TABLE 4
4 C. Riquier, "De l'existence des integrales dans un systame differential quelconque,"
Annales de l'ecole normale superieure, serie 3, 10 (1893), pp. 65-86; Ibid., 123-50.
Two of the three conditions in Riquier's definition of the harmonic system are obviously
MATHEMATICS: T. Y. THOMAS
57
satisfied for the system composed of (2.1) and (3.3). To show that the third condition
is likewise satisfied we assign to each of the quantities xa, Pi., and K7,, a single "cote"
in the following manner:
x" has the "cote" -a,
(a -T)
a)
(q -v) >0,
-T7
0, m - a > 0, ,-v < 0, and q-p < 0. The system composed of
(2.1) and (3.3) is therefore harmonic in the sense of Riquier. See also T. Y. Thomas,
"Invariantive Systems of Partial Differential Equations," Ann. Math., 31 (1930),
687-713; and Ibid., 714-726.
5 For an analogous proof, see T. Y. Thomas, "A Theorem Concerning the Affine
Connection," Am. J. Math., 50 (1928), 518-520.
6 We have
ak al
[(* h
-ha hO)
(a)
(*hal *hB - *h2 *)
since
h.4
E ek
k=1
ap a.
(b)
ep.
ak] ala2
[(hk hh I
-hl hk)
k) Yx; ax
(hk h1
kk
Akk,
ha= Aek ,
=
x-a a x-P
ixf
5Xdxa -
aXI TX2
ax' ax2
TX 3 6X4
?x3 a-X4
is less than two at P. However, this is not possible since the above matrix is
have the form
seen to
58
PHYSICS: E. H. KENNARD
011
* *
PROC. N. A. S-
ill
(1857.)
6
7
k=1
ekw w
112
MATHEMATICS: T. Y. THOMAS
PPROC. N. A. S.
p(X2,
X4)
X3
(1.1)
ge
-x- -cX = 0
(1.2)
was satisfied over this surface. If we substitute (1.1) into (1.2) this
equation becomes
4
Egapp
=2
F=g'1 -2 E g1P, + E
PJ=2
where
a=2
Pa =Xa
=o
(1.3)
2, 3, 4).
(1.3).
If we put
ID" =ap
6Pa
then
dX2
p2
(a
= 2,
3, 4)
x
dx4
dx3 =d
p3
p4
4E
(1.4)
a=2
113
MATHEMATICS: T. Y. THOMAS
curve C of the system (1.4); these curves C are the bicharacteristics determined by the field equations of this theory.3
2. We have supposed the equation of the characteristic surfaces to
be solved for the coordinate xl in the previous work. Let us now take
this equation in the more general form
(2.1)
subject to the condition that the function 7r depends explicitly on the xl
coordinate. Then from (2.1) we have
7r(xl,
Pa
where
. .
X4)
.,
(=2 3, 4)
ql
(2.2)
(a =1,2, 3, 4).
qa
Hence
q2F
Also
qPa
and
ql
geGq qe
(ai = 2, 3, 4);
2gaeq
(2.3)
2g'pq
E papa)
ge'qaq
(2.4)
is taken into account. The set of equations (1.4) can therefore be given
the more symmetrical form
dx=
2g"qo.
(2.5)
dv
On solving equations (2.5) for the quantities qc, we obtain
=
1/2 ga
dqa
= qa
ga
dx.
(2.6)
Now put
dx-
(2.7)
so that qa, is the second derivative of the function wr(x), and then differentiate (2.4) with respect to x7 where y = 2, 3, 4. This gives
-
a3
2gaqay2
y(-a
qaql, + 2g aqlqo,)
(= 2,3,4)
Making use of (2.5) and (2.7) this last system of equations becomes
114
dq7
ld1
gaD
dv + X
(qad
qaq0 =dv
(ey
eogI
PROC. N. A. S.
qlf
.q
(2.8)
2, 3, 4)
Now differentiate the equations (2.5), which are satisfied along a bicharacteristic C on the characteristic surface (2.1), with respect to the
parameter v; from the equations so obtained eliminate the q" and the
derivatives of the q, by means of (2.6) and (2.8), respectively. We thus
obtain a set of equations which takes the form
d2xa+
di dxy
dv2 + ~ dv dv
1 ( ql dxi
q,
aX?
dv
where the Ip, are the Christoffel symbols derived from the components
gap At a point P with coordinates xo on a bicharacteristic C, equations
(2.5) determine the values of the derivatives of the xa with respect to the
parameter v, i.e.,
/dxa\
' dv )o
(2.10)
2
iw
dxi dxy = 0
dud
du du
(2.13)
115
dxa dx8
d =0
g1du
(2.14)
is satisfied on account of (2.4) and (2.6) along C, this curve is of the type
commonly described as a geodesic of zero length. Moreover, the fact
that the equation (2.1) of the characteristic surface depends explicitly
on the xl coordinate is in no way involved in (2.13) and (2.14) so that
these latter equations must be satisfied along the bicharacteristics on any
characteristic surface regardless of the particular form 7r(x) = 0 of the
equation by which the characteristic surface is defined.
3. In Note I we introduced a system of local coordinates zi' which
possessed the property that the equations of a path through the origin
of the local system had the form of the parametric equations of a Euclidean
straight line through the origin of a system of rectangular cartesian coordinates. As the paths are determined by the affine connection of the
continuum it seems natural to refer to the above coordinates as affine
local co6rdinates. The equations (2.13) to which we are led by the foregoing work suggest that* we likewise construct a system of metric local
co6rdinates. defined by the metric properties of the continuum in an analogous manner. More precisely, a system of metric local coordinates w'
will be characterized geometrically by the postulates in Sect. 2 of Note I
except for the fact that postulate D regarding the paths of the continuum
will be replaced by a similar postulate involving the geodesics (2.13). By
a method similar to that employed in Note I it can be shown (1) that the
metric local co6rdinates wi remain unchanged when the underlying co6rdinates
xa undergo an arbitrary analytic transformation T, i.e.,
and (2) that when the fundamental vectors hi undergo an orthogonal transformation
* = ak Ii
(3.1)
the metric local coordinates associated uith any point P likeuise undergo
an orthogonal transformation, i.e., a linear homogeneous transformation,
W
ak W*
MATHEMATICS: T. Y. THOMAS
116
PROC. N. A. S.
(3.2)
E ekw w
k=l
intariant. The local coordinates wi are related to the underlying coordinates ea by a transformation of the form
x
- h(Pw'
- I (Pww i - I!
-s
2! 11-.
ajPw'w -I...
axflae 2VjWk)ww
2ea + Zx%;)
w=O
(WIC-kk
6
Tk .j..p .q
= (
(-kVq w
(3.3)
and
= (
1AB
(3.4)
(3.5)
define sets of absolute invariants h and g under arbitrary analytic transformations of the xe coordinates. When the fundamental vectors undergo
an orthogonal transformation (3.1) the absolute invariants (3.3), (3.4)
and (3.5) transform by the tensor transformation implied by the indices
in the symbol of the invariant.
The explicit formulae for any of the invariants (3.3), (3.4) and (3.5)
MATHEMATICS: T. Y. THOMAS
117
as well as the identities satisfied by the invariants (3.4) and (3.5) can
easily be deduced.
4. It is a known fact that the totality of characteristics through a
point P of the continuum of a partial differenti.al equation of the first
order, generates a characteristic surface.3 Hence an integral surface of
(1.3) is generated by the totality of characteristics through P of this
equation. When the equation (1.3) is taken with reference to a system
of metric local co6rdinates and the point P is at the origin of this system,
the discussion of this integral surface is of especial interest.
Denoting the components gel by Clill when taken with respect to a
system of metric local coordinates the eqtiation (1.3) becomes
4
= 0,
(4.1)
where
~w
W (i
rj
(4.2)
2, 3, 4).
(4.3)
rtu
in which the vi are arbitrary constants; hence the condition that (2.13)
should be a bicharacteristic of the field equations, i.e., the condition that
(2.14) be satisfied along (2.13), is
4
i=1
ei7i
(4.4)
0.
It is seen that q 1 O0 since if this were not true it would follow from (4.4)
that the remaining quantities n7' would likewise vanish. The normalizing
condition n' = 1 can therefore be imposed. Equation (4.4) then becomes
(,q2)2
(Xq3)2 +
(4.5)
(X74)2 = 1.
Taking
X2
COS
(4.6)
Clj1w, w
-ClkjiW' (k
2, 3, 4).
(4.7)
118
PROC. N. A. S.
Xk
-Clkjl7i (k
2, 3,
4),
dwl =
E rdwt.
(4.8)
t=2
Cjijji77j= 0;
(4.9)
in fact, the left members of (4.1) and (4.9) are identically equal. Now the
above functions w' and ri satisfy (4.1). This is seen from the fact (1) that
(4.9) is satisfied for u = 0 and (2) that the left member of (4.9) is invariant along a geodesic of zero length issuing from the origin. To show
that (4.8) is also satisfied we observe that the differential du is identical
with the left member of this expression; the right member of (4.8) likewise
becomes equal to du when account is taken of (4.3) and (4.5). Hence
the above functions wt and ri of the independent variables 0, so, u constitute an integral of (4.1) in the sense of Lie.
From (4.3) for i = 2, 3, 4 and (4.5) we have
u
1 gives
WI= -
(4.10)
or
W1
(4.11)
119
325
Let us suppose that the functions hI in group Go have the values 6 throughout a finite region R of the four dimensional continuum; these special
values of the hI can obviously be imposed, at least throughout a sufficiently
small region of the continuum, by a suitable coordinate transformation.
A coordinate system for which the h' have the above special values will
be referred to as a cannonical co6rdinate system. Interpreting the coordinate xl as the time t let us now assume that a disturbance is produced
at a time t = 0 throughout a closed region Ro of space.' After a time
t = p(X2, X3, X4), the effect of this disturbance will be felt at a point
(X2, X3, X4) outside the region X?. For a definite value of t the equation
Sp(X2, X3, X4) = t will represent the surface of the space (x2, X3, X4) which,
at the instant t, separates the region affected from the region unaffected
by the disturbance. If we assume that the values of the h, and their derivatives vary in a continuous manner when we pass from one region to
the other, then it follows from the result in sect. 8 of Note V under the
hypothesis of canonical coordinates that the surface t -~p(X2, X3, X4) = 0
must be a characteristic surface of the field equations. Wave surfaces
are thus identified with the characteristic surfaces.
Now assume the expression for the element of distance in the region R
in the form
326
ds2 = dt2
PROC. N. A. S.
E ya
a=2 p= 2
E
dxa dx
(a)
where we have put t = xl and -y,Xo = - g,, in terms of the notation used
in previous notes. We shall refer for the moment to the co6rdinates for
which the form (a) of the element of distance is valid as Gaussian coordinates in conformity with the terminology used by Hilbert.2 It will
be assumed likewise that the co6rdinates of a system of Gaussian coordinates have the significance of coordinates of time and space as implied
by the above expression for the element of distance. Use has been made
of Gaussian coordinates in this sense in recent work on cosomology.3
Owing to the special form of the element of distance (a) in Gaussian
coordinates the function s must, therefore, satisfy the equation
4 4 a aS p aS
a=2 P=2
be Z5
over the surface (p = t where ya0 is the cofactor of the element -ya, in the
determinant
divided by this determinant. The equation
(b)
327
S3:4.(Z',
...,Z4)
=O,2
= 0
=0
where the functions 4) and ' are assumed to be analytic in the neighborhood
of the origin. We shall suppose that 4) and I are independent as functions
of z' and z2; this causes no loss of generality as it involves at most a relettering of the coordinate axes. Now put
(1.)
D(Z), X2 = '(z), X3 = Z3, X4 = Z4.
This defines an analytic transformation of coordinates which possesses
a unique inverse in the neighborhood of the origin of the local system.
We shall say that the origin of the local coordinate system is a characteristic point with respect to the hypersurface S3 if the expression
XI
(aq,)2 --2
VaZ1)
()2 -
328
PROC. N. A. S.
following
EXISTENCE THEOREM. The specification of the functions K71 and Ki,
over the varieties S3 and S2, respectively, as analytic functions of the surface
coordinates determines uniquely a set of analytic integrals h, of the field
equations in a system of affine (or metric) local coordinates having its origin
at a point P on S2 not characteristic uwth respect to S3.
In particular we can take 4 = z' and T = Z2. We then arrive at a
theorem which on the point of view of our previous notes can be stated
roughly as follows: The specification at a particular instant t = 0 of the
absolute electromagnetic forces K7m throughout a small region Ro determines
the structure of the space-time continuum in the neighborhood of Ro.
2. A modification of the above existence theorem is necessary when
the hypothesis (B) is adopted. We can suppose that the functions 4 and
T satisfy the normal conditions C1 and C2 at a point P as explained in
Sect. 1 of Note V. Taking the point P as the origin of a system of affine
local coordinates z' we shall then have
az1 az1
6Z2 OJz2
6ZI 6Z2
OZ2 OZ2
OZ3 CZ3
6Z 6Za4
6z4 6z4
0Z2
(2.1)
6Z4 OZ3J
at the origin of these coordinates. At the point x' of the (x) coordinate
system defined by (1.1) the inequalities V (1.7) will, therefore, be satisfied.
Call S* the surface defined by T = 0 and consider the functions U and V
defined in Sect. 4 of Note V. If we specify the functions U over the
hypersurfaces S3 and S3 and the functions V over the surface S2 as analytic
functions of the surface coordinates, we can uniquely determine the successive coefficients of the power series expansions8 of the components
329
6 Proof of this statement can be based on the discussion in Sect. 2 of Note IV.
7J. L. Synge and A. J. McConnell, "Riemannian Null Geometry," Phil. Mag., 5,
MATHEMATICS: T. Y. THOMAS
199
G axe
(1.1)
Gap
axa
-C'*X ;~(1.2)
200
PROC. N.
Al.|S
(1.3)
z2 as t O
0
(1.4)
S3.
MATHEMATICS: T. Y. THOMAS
201
ca 14,=
h1,
202
by bordering J in
minants show that
all
12345
1234 6
12345
12346
12347
|12348
12346
12345
possible
manners.
-a7W,
2 W
'
PROC. N. A. S.
1|2345123466
a2aw.
12346
12345
7
347
12346-
12345W
2348
jkl
~
a
1a
ax,
2,1
?ht4,1
6x1
a 3,2
aht 3,1
ahs4,2
15
alx'
ax
I
ah
4,1
A'
ahI4,2
ahI3,2
aX2
(X2
Z 2,1
ah
a C2
-c
0 -b
-c
ahI 8,2
aX2
ax'
-a
4,l
aX2
O-_Y
13
0O-f0
0 -b
-a
-a
-a
-d
0 -a
-d
-a
'y
-d
-b
123
=4
j 3
-Y
124
134
ah'4,2
-a
J= 2
234
-0
'y
-5
j= 1
TABLE 1
LEMMA I. Every determinant of order five of the matrix M1 has the form
WR(a, 9, -y, 5), where R (a, j,P'y, 5) denotes a polygnomial in the variabks
indicated.
Let us
first four
can then
LEMMA
surface.
This lemma shows in particular that the rank of M1 is four at P. To
prove Lemma II we consider the determinant
l 2 3 4
3 4 5 61
(a
203
1234567 8
3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
does not vanish at P by Lemma III. This solution gives
av
ER(h)
au + E R(h) av +
(a = 1, 2, 3, 4;
a1 =
WER
EZ
(4.1)
= 3, 4)
+R E + B-
(4.2)
2, 3, 4; # = 3, 4)
where R denotes a rational function of the h, and the * as usual denotes
terms of lower order than those which have been written down explicitly.
The occurrence of the quantity W as a factor in the first term of the right
member of (4.2) follows as a result of Lemma III; this fact is essential
in our later work.
By multiplying the four equations corresponding to the first four rows
in Table 1 by suitably chosen quantities p, q, r, s and adding to the equation
corresponding to the seventh row in Table 1 it is possible to obtain an
equation in which the coefficients of the derivatives of the components
U and V with respect to xl will vanish at P. This follows from Lemmas
(a
204
MATHEMATICS: T. Y. THOMAS
PROC. N. A. S.
I and II. Similarly it is possible to multiply the four equations corresponding to the first four rows in Table 1 by quantities p, q, r, s, and add
to the equation corresponding to the last row in Table 1 so as to obtain
an equation in which the coefficients of the above derivatives will likewise
vanish at P. We can, in fact, construct in an obvious manner a system
of linear equations in the unknown quiantities p, q, r, s or p, q, r, s with
the non-vanishing determinant
,,=11 2 3 4
|3 4 .5 61
et,q 2 -2r
-(3 P
a2
a2-
-a
a2_ 2'r
aa_(2'2
(2'
a2C
2'
#2's
a2(
-v
ihA
in which
U =
a2
(32'
a2
w x
-x w
22Y
2
= a2
aB- #D
uE-oaC
a2
(32
2 _
'
(2
yD+SE-bW
-aF
-6A
X
v
u
a2
(32
Let us call the four equations corresponding to the first four rows in Table
1 the system L1 and the two equations which
we have constructed by the above process, the
0 -a 0 a -ey 0
system L2. Now differentiate L1 with respect
0 -3 00 - Y
a
to x2 and L2 with respect to xl. On combining the resulting equations we have a system
0 -0 0 a 0
a
L3 of six equations which can be solved for the
a 0 -a 0 -6 0 second derivatives with respect to xl, x2 of
the quantities U and V. Table 2 indicates
V W X
U
y Z
the determinant of the coefficients of these
-v
u -x w -z
y
derivatives in L3. Expanding5 this determinant
and neglecting additive terms containing
TABLE 2
W we obtain the simple quantity (2(3W*)2
which does not vanish at P in consequence of the normal conditions
imposed in Sect. 1; this fact permits the unique determination of the
MATHEMATICS: T. Y. THOMAS
205
-2
+EZ
RU+>ERV
ax +
614 614
ERU+RV
3x2
E RU +ZRV)
E RU + E RV
E RU + E RV
6h4
(5.1a)
(5. lb)
(5.1c)
614
~2
Eglh' 6 a'
O (a
2,3,4)
(5.2)
=y = a = O at
over S3. Now a * O at P since a = O would give
P and we would have a contradiction with the normal conditions imposed
in Sect. 1. Making use of this fact and also the fact that W* 0 at P
equations (5.2) can be solved for the derivatives of the covariant component h' with respect to X2, X3 and X4. Hence (5.2) can be given the
form
3
_ 62 _ 6
621
(53
**
6X2 - ***''X3 - =*...-
MATHEMATICS: T. Y. THOMAS
206
PROC. N. A. S.
where the dots denote terms of the sort occurring in the right members
of (5.1) with the exception of the derivatives in the left members of (5.3).
It is to be borne in mind that equations (5.3) hold only over the surface
S3 and must not, therefore, be differentiated with respect to the coordinate
xl in the process of finding derivatives of the component h' which we shall
later employ. This circumstance, however, causes no difficulty since
such differentiations can be made on the equation (5.1a) which contains
the derivative of h1 with respect to xl in its left member.
6. Suppose that each component U is defined over the surfaces S3
and S3* as an analytic function of.the surface coordinates. We represent
this by writing
U = J(X2, X3, X4) for xl = 0
(6.1)
U = K(x1, x3, x4) for x2 = o
Similarly the components h' will be defined throughout the four-dimensional continuum, over the above surfaces S3, S2 and along the curve Si
given by x1 = =X3 = 0 as shown by the following equations
h- PS(X'1 x2, x3, x4)
[i=1, 2, 3,
4]
-XI
h= R(x3, x4)
-XI
X2 = O j
hi
X1 =X2
__
(6.3)
SI(X4)
=
X3
O0
I I
MATHEMATICS: T. Y. THOMAS
207
has "cote" -a
has "cote" 5
ha has "cote" a
(i * 1 ifa= 2)
hi
208
MATHEMATICS: T. Y. THOMAS
PROC. N. A. S.
16K(3, r + 1) + 8K(2, r + 1)
(7.1)
(7.2)
MATHEMATICS: T. Y. THOMAS
209
210
MATHEMATICS: T. Y. THOMAS
PROC. N. A. S.
we see that this determination of the h, and their first derivatives over
S3 is independent of the (Pk. Different selections of the functions Pk(X3, X4)
will give different sets of integrals ht of the field equations and we arrive
at the fact that there exists an infinite number of sets of integrals ha of the
field equations such that each set of integrals and their first derivatives assume
the same values over a characteristic surface S3.
The above result can be extended in the following manner: Let us
supplement the above process by allowing a single differentiation with
respect to the coordinate xl. Then the quantities hs as well as their
first and second derivatives will be determined over S3 independently of
the functions O4, V5, . . . and there is an analogous result when we restrict
ourselves to p(>l) differentiations with respect to the coordinate xl.
Let us say that two sets of integrals ht of the field equations have contact
of order C over a characteristic surface S3 if the two sets of functions h ,
and all their derivatives to those of order C itclusive, but not derivatives
of the (C + 1)st order, assume the same values over S3. We can then
say that there exists an infinite number of sets of integrals h, of the field
equations having contact of order C(2. 1) with one another over a characteristic surface S3. It is important to notice that if the surface S3 were
not a characteristic the functional data common to each of these sets of
integrals would be sufficient to give a unique determination of a set of
integrals h, of the field equations.
I J. Hadamard, Lecons sur la Propagation des Ondes, Hermann (1903), pp. 296-310.
2 See footnote 6 to Note III.