On Lorentz invariance in the quantum theory

Abstract

In a recent paper, Eddington raises an objection against the customary use of the Lorentz transformation in quantum mechanics, as for instance when applied to the theory of the hydrogen atom or the behaviour of a degenerate gas. This objection seems to us to be mainly based on a misunderstanding, and our purpose here is to show that the practice of theoretical physicists on this point is quite consistent. The issue is a little confused because Eddington's system of mechanics is in many important respects completely different from quantum mechanics, and although Eddington's objection is to an alleged illogical practice in quantum mechanics he occasionally makes use of concepts which have no place there. Such arguments will not have any bearing on the question whether or not the practice in quantum mechanics is logically consistent—although they may have bearing on which of the two systems describes physical phenomena better.