This volume is the second in a series in which I am undertaking to develop the consequences that necessarily follow if it is postulated that the physical universe is composed entirely of motion. The characteristics of the basic motion were defined in Nothing But Motion, the first volume of the series, in the form of seven assumptions as to the nature and interrelation of space and time. In the subsequent development, the necessary consequences of these assumptions have been derived by logical and mathematical processes without the introduction of any supplementary or subsidiary assumptions, and without introducing anything from experience. Coincidentally with this theoretical development, it has been shown that the conclusions thus reached are consistent with the relevant data from observation and experiment, wherever a comparison can be made. This justifies the assertion that, to the extent to which the development has been carried, the theoretical results constitute a true and accurate picture of the actual physical universe.
In a theoretical development of this nature, starting from a postulate as to the fundamental nature of the universe, the first results of the deductive process necessarily take the form of conclusions of a basic character: the structure of matter, the nature of electromagnetic radiation, etc. Inasmuch as these are items that cannot be apprehended directly, it has been possible for previous investigators to formulate theories of an ad hoc nature in each individual field to fit the limited, and mainly indirect, information that is available. The best that a correct theory can do in any one of these individual areas is to arrive at results that also agree with the available empirical information. It is not possible, therefore, to grasp the full significance of the new development unless it is recognized that the new theoretical system, the Reciprocal System, as we call it, is one of general application, one that reaches all of its conclusions all physical fields by deduction from the same set of basic premises.
Experience has indicated that it is difficult for most individuals to get a broad enough view of the fundamentals of the many different branches of physical science for a full appreciation of the unitary character of this new system. However, as the deductive development is continued, it gradually extends down into the more familiar areas, where the empirical information is more readily available, and less subject to arbitrary adjustment or interpretation to fit the prevailing theories. Thus the farther the development of this new general physical theory is carried, the more evident its validity becomes. This is particularly true where, as in the subject matter treated in this present volume, the theoretical deductions provide both explanations and numerical values in areas where neither is available from conventional sources.
There has been an interval of eight years between the publication of Volume I and the first complete edition of this second volume in the series. Inasmuch as the investigation whose results are here being reported is an ongoing activity, a great deal of new information has been accumulated in the meantime. Some of this extends or clarifies portions of the subject matter of the first volume, and since the new findings have been taken into account in dealing with the topics covered in this volume, it has been necessary to discuss the relevant aspects of these findings in this volume, even though some of them may seem out of place. If, and when, a revision of the first volume is undertaken, this material will be transferred to Volume I.
The first 11 chapters of this volume were published in the form of reproductions of the manuscript pages in 1980. Publication of the first complete edition has been made possible through the efforts of a group of members of the International Society of Unified Science, including Rainer Huck, who handled the financing, Phil Porter, who arranged for the printing, Eden Muir, who prepared the illustrations, and Jan Sammer, who was in charge of the project.
D. B. Larson
December 1987