Michelson: interferometric test of motion through the luminiferous ether

What changed

Implemented perpendicular-path interferometric test for ether-drift prediction.

Scientific scope

The record is Michelson’s sole-author 1881 American Journal of Science paper. Its transverse-path calculation was later corrected; the improved 1887 Michelson–Morley experiment and later relativity interpretations remain separate.

Evidence

The linked sources identify this contribution and its scope. WRS has not independently reconstructed the scientific claims. The record is Michelson’s sole-author 1881 American Journal of Science paper. Its transverse-path calculation was later corrected; the improved 1887 Michelson–Morley experiment and later relativity interpretations remain separate.

Contributors

• Albert A. Michelson · SCIENCE: Named source author of the scoped work; individual effort shares are not measured.

• American Journal of Science record and text for Michelson’s 1881 ether test
• DOI record for Michelson’s 1881 paper

Provisional WRS assessment, edition 2026-10-16.1. Independent expert calibration is pending. This grade does not certify correctness or assign ownership.

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