Some remarks on the genesis of scalar-tensor theories

TL;DR

This paper reviews the historical development of scalar-tensor theories of gravitation from 1941 to 1962, highlighting the contributions of four scientists and analyzing why Brans-Dicke theory became dominant despite earlier similar theories.

Contribution

It uncovers the diverse origins and motivations behind early scalar-tensor theories and explains the factors leading to the prominence of Brans-Dicke theory over others.

Findings

Four scientists independently proposed scalar-tensor theories between 1941-1962.

Brans-Dicke theory became dominant due to external factors like language and citation habits.

Historical analysis clarifies the evolution and influence of early gravitational theories.

Abstract

Between 1941 and 1962, scalar-tensor theories of gravitation were suggested four times by different scientists in four different countries. The earliest originator, the Swiss mathematician W. Scherrer, was virtually unknown until now whereas the chronologically latest pair gave their names to a multitude of publications on Brans-Dicke theory. P. Jordan, one of the pioneers of quantum mechanics theory, and Y. Thiry, a student of the mathematician A. Lichnerowicz, known by his book on celestial mechanics, complete the quartet. Diverse motivations for and conceptual interpretations of their theories will be discussed as well as relations among them. Also, external factors like language, citation habits, or closeness to the mainstream are considered. It will become clear why Brans-Dicke theory, although structurally a d\'ej\`a-vu, superseded all the other approaches.