On the experimental foundations of the Maxwell equations

Abstract

We begin by reviewing the derivation of generalized Maxwell equations from an operational definition of the electromagnetic field and the most basic notions of what constitutes a dynamical field theory. These equations encompass the familiar Maxwell equations as a special case but, in other cases, can predict birefringence, charge non-conservation, wave damping and other effects that the familiar Maxwell equations do not. It follows that observational constraints on such effects can restrict the dynamics of the electromagnetic field to be very like the familiar Maxwellian dynamics, thus, providing an empirical foundation for the Maxwell equations. We discuss some specific observational results that contribute to that foundation.