From the Berlin "ENTWURF" Field Equations to the Einstein Tensor I: October 1914 until Beginning of November 1915

TL;DR

This paper analyzes Einstein's 1914 review and its influence on the development of the General Theory of Relativity, highlighting key elements that led to its reformulation between 1914 and 1915.

Contribution

It provides a detailed historical analysis of Einstein's transition from the 1914 theory to the 1915 formulation of General Relativity.

Findings

Identifies elements in Einstein's 1914 paper that hindered the original theory.

Highlights aspects that inspired Einstein's reformulation in 1915.

Connects historical developments to the mathematical foundations of the Einstein tensor.

Abstract

I discuss Albert Einstein's 1914 review paper, "The Formal Foundation of the General Theory of Relativity" from two points of view: the main elements in the paper that appear to have led to the downfall of the Einstein-Grossman theory; and the elements that seem to have inspired Einstein during October 1915 to reformulate the 1914 Einstein-Grossmann theory in the form of the November 1915 and the 1916 General Theory of Relativity. First paper among three papers.