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This paper is based on the premise that the theory of relativity is inconsistent, not in accord with relevant experimental evidence, and must be replaced. An alternative is sought without the notion of an absolute space. This is found in an ether-theory in which the ether is compressible and probably irrotational and has no mass. The ether is the medium for the transportation of all forces. The mass of a body and the velocity of light are not constant but depend on the place in space, on the distribution of energy. All mass is electromagnetic mass and gravity is due to the variation of the velocity of light. The first calculations based on these principles, in which only motions relative to the ether are considered, not the motions of the ether itself, are very promising. The positive results of calculations based on relativity can be explained, including the bending of light and the perihelion-advance of Mercury.

The theory of relativity (RT) is inconsistent: two twins, re-meeting after separation, will each be younger than the other. Nevertheless, the RT is widely accepted, mainly because of the experimental evidence. An analysis of the evidence, however, reveals that the experimental evidence is for E = mc², but not for the notion of relativity. The Sagnac effect is even contrary to the RT. In this case RT can only be saved by the use of a Galilean transformation instead of a Lorentz transformation, and this is impermissible in a four-dimensional space-time. As it is the notion of relativity itself that causes the problem, there is no reason to stick to four-dimensional space-time. Instead, the freedom to choose space and time, which Einstein propagated, will be used to choose the old system: three-dimensional space and one-dimensional time, without the conceptions of absolute space and absolute time. A new theory can probably be developed, using Stokes?s idea of a compressible, irrotational ether, without his idea of a mechanical ether, but with an ether without mass.