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This timeline describes the major developments, both experimental and theoretical, of:
This list also mentions the origins of standard notation (like c) and terminology (like theory of relavity).
Theories other than SR are not described here exhaustively, but only to the extent that is directly relevant to SR – i.e. at points when they:
For a more detailed timeline of aether theories – e.g. their emergence with the wave theory of light – see a separate article. Also, not all experiments are listed here – repetitions, even with much higher precision than the original, are mentioned only if they influence or challenge the opinions at their time. It was the case with:
For lists of repetitions, see the articles of particular experiments. The measurements of speed of light are also mentioned only to the minimum extent, i.e. when they proved for the first time that c is finite and invariant. Innovations like the use of Foucault's rotating mirror or the Fizeau wheel are not listed here – see the article about speed of light.
This timeline also ignores, for reasons of volume and clarity: