The impetus for the acceptance of the postulates of the Special Theory of Relativity and the consequent abandonment of the concept of a conducting medium for electromagnetic energy in vacuo, is traceable to the irreconcilability of the observation of stellar aberration and the null results of the fixed optical experiments. Yet, as discussed in the main text herein, both observation and experiment are capable of reconciliation within the context of interacting field domains. In anticipation of the objections that inevitably will be lodged against the suggested methods of reconciliation herein, it is argued in advance that a theory based partially upon the seemingly anomalous behavior of plane waves entering a composite field is no more paradoxical than a theory based upon the contraction of matter and the dilation of time at high relative velocities.

Perhaps the most often cited evidence in support of the validity of the postulates of the Special Theory of Relativity is presented by the irregular characteristics of atomic particles accelerated to a velocity near that of light in vacuo. Yet, such characteristics are also consistent with those that would be expected from high-speed particle transmission through a field medium. That is, as the particle approaches the limiting wave speed of the particular medium, an increased resistance to acceleration is encountered such that an increase in energy does not result in an equivalent increase in particle velocity.¹ Furthermore, the application of the time dilation formula to high-energy particle physics does not validate the postulates of the Special Theory of Relativity since any formula describing the behavior of a particle near the wavespeed boundary will contain similar terms.

It is suggested here that the success of the Special Theory of Relativity has resulted from the difficulties encountered in adequately examining and interpreting the effects of a process that occurs as rapidly as does light propagation rather than from the inherent validity of the theory itself. With the advent of more accurate experimental techniques and greater conceptual clarity, the postulates of the Special Theory of Relativity ultimately will be replaced by a theory founded upon a transmitting medium for electromagnetic energy in vacuo. Inasmuch as other areas of physics incorporate the postulates of the Special Theory of Relativity, a reconsideration of their structure will be required. This observation is especially applicable to the space-time dependent General Theory of Relativity.

Significant deviations from accepted scientific theory traditionally have been met with harsh resistance and derision by the scientific establishment. Such a reaction is inevitable, however, since the scientific hierarchy is largely comprised of individuals whose careers are founded upon the very concepts threatened by the new theories. Yet, as historically demonstrated by the vigorous denouncement of the heliocentric planetary system, such obstinacy often results in the perpetuation of outmoded or false descriptions of Nature. Fortunately, experiments capable of detecting a field medium are technologically feasible and should be constructed, even if their purpose is to negate the existence of such a medium in vacuo. Until such experiments are undertaken, the abstruse and paradoxical relativistic treatment of electromagnetic energy transmission in vacuo will persist.

1Note: An analogue to high speed particle phenomena that was not available at the time of the construction of the postulates of the Special Theory of Relativity is demonstrated by the behavior of an aircraft approaching the wavespeed boundary of sound in an air medium. As the sound barrier is approached, an inordinate addition of energy is required to further accelerate the aircraft.