The classical electron problem

In this paper, we construct a parallel image of the conventional Maxwell th eory by replacing the observer-time by the proper-time of the source. This formulation is mathematically, but not physically, equivalent to the conven tional form, The change induces a new symmetry group which is distinct from , but closely related to the Lorentz group, and fixes the clock of the sour ce for all observers, The new wave equation contains an additional term (di ssipative). which arises instantaneously with acceleration. This shows that the origin of radiation reaction is not the action of a "charge" on itself but arises from inertial resistance to changes in motion. This dissipative term is equivalent to an effective mass so that classical radiation has bo th a massless and a massive part. Hence, at the local level the theory is o ne of particles and fields but there is no self-energy divergence (nor any of the other problems). We also show that, for any, closed system of partic les, there is a global inertial frame and unique (invariant) global proper- time (for each observer) from which to observe the system. This global cloc k is intrinsically related to the proper clocks of the individual particles and provides a unique definition of simultaneity for all events associated with the system. We suggest that this clock is the historical clock of Hor witz. Piron, and Fanchi. At this level. the theory is of the action-at-a-di stance type and the absorption hypothesis of Wheeler and Feynman follows fr om global conservation oy energy.