“Motion with respect to the universal ocean of aether eludes us. We say, "Let V be the velocity of a body through the aether", and form the various electromagnetic equations in which V is scattered liberally. Then we insert the observed values, and try to eliminate everything which is unknown except V. The solution goes on famously; but just as we have got rid of all the other unknowns, behold! V disappears as well, and we are left with the indisputable but irritating conclusion —
::: 0 = 0
This is a favourite device that mathematical equations resort to, when we propound stupid questions.”

—  Arthur Stanley Eddington

Source: The Nature of the Physical World (1928), Ch. 2 Relativity <!-- p. 30 -->

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Arthur Stanley Eddington105
British astrophysicist 1882–1944

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