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The telegraph model of Weber-Gauss, relying on Weber's electrodynamics, modeled instantaneous action at a distance of the electric scalar potential (Coulomb potential) manifesting as propagation of signals at c in a resistanceless wire, through the collective forces of charge carriers in the wire. Despite seeing many allusions to the notion that wireless transmission of signals at c could, similarly, be modeled with Weber's electrodynamics, I've been unable to locate such a model for, say, a simple Hertzian dipole's actions on a remote test charge.

Does such a wireless signaling model exist?

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    $\begingroup$ Are questions regarding the history of physics inappropriate? $\endgroup$
    – James Bowery
    Commented Dec 2, 2015 at 15:02
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    $\begingroup$ They are a grey area - but in any case you're probably better of asking those at History of Science and Mathematics! $\endgroup$
    – ACuriousMind ♦
    Commented Dec 2, 2015 at 15:03
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    $\begingroup$ I disagree that this should be closed. Weber EM might indeed be inequivalent to the standard Maxwellian EM but it is still an interesting model and it is still interesting to ask about its precise capabilities. I find this question perfectly on topic, and far from the reasons we have the non-mainstream policy in place. $\endgroup$
    – Emilio Pisanty
    Commented Dec 2, 2015 at 15:06
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    $\begingroup$ Maxwell cited Weber's model in a positive light and dismissed it primarily because of a faulty critique by Helmholtz to the effect that it violated conservation of energy. Later Maxwell retracted this dismissal but, presumably due to the absence of a way to describe electromagnetic energy propagation through space at c, did not attempt any further rehabilitation. This is most ironic not only because c was first described in Weber's work but because vector potential originated with Weber's colleagues and that, presumably, would have contributed to Maxwell's original equations. $\endgroup$
    – James Bowery
    Commented Dec 3, 2015 at 5:27
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    $\begingroup$ Given this history goes back to the earliest days of electromagnetism it is difficult to know the provenance of possibly apocryphal claims to the effect that Weber, or his later adherents, came up with a way of modeling wireless propagation at c. Perhaps those who object to this question being here are correct -- that such claims are only endemic to "non-mainstream" partisans. It would help considerably if "mainstream" had a better operational definition. For instance, a list of credible journals would be a start. $\endgroup$
    – James Bowery
    Commented Dec 3, 2015 at 5:49

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