The Newtonian theory of gravitation and its generalization

Abstract

The classical, Newtonian theory of gravitation is generalized in two stages. First, a theory is constructed which is valid for a class of strong, static gravitational fields. This theory, which we call the newtonian theory, is compatible with all the classical tests of relativistic gravitation. The newtonian theory is then rewritten in a covariant, geometrical form and is generalized to give a complete theory of gravitation whose post-Newtonian approximation is in agreement with all observations.