minkowski explored the arithmetic of quadratic forms, especially that concerning n variables, and his research into that topic led him to consider certain geometric properties in a space of n dimensions. In 1896, he presented his geometry of numbers, a geometrical method that solved problems in number theory In 1902, he joined the Mathematics Department of Gottingen, where he held the third chair in mathematics, created for him at David Hilbert's request By 1907 Minkowski realised that the special theory of relativity, introduced by Einstein in 1905 and based on previous work of Lorentz and Poincare, could be best understood in a non-Euclidean space, since known as"Minkowski space", in which the time and space are not separate entities but intermingled in a four dimensional space-time, and in which the Lorentz geometry of special relativity can be nicely represented. This technique certainly helped Einstein s quest for general relativity In 1909, at the young age of 44, Minkowski died suddenly from a ruptured appendix. Despite having an interest in mathematical physics and dabbling in this field, his main work was in the field of the geometry of number, although he is best remembered for his four-dimensional space-time Theory The abraham and minkowski tensors The Minkowski and abraham tensors lead to essentially different expressions for the density (g) of field momentum. In vector form they are given by g=(4m [DB] for the Minkowski form, and 4[EH] for the Abraham form Where D=EE+P and B=uo(H+ M) These lead to the following expressions for the photons momentum in the medium nul nhv according to Minkowski, and hy according to Abraham where I hand represents the length of the line of plane polarised waves in the l avepacket Note that in a vacuum the tensors are identical; problems arise only in connexion with electromagnetic fields in matter [5]. The Minkowski energy-momentum tensor is asymmetric, implying non-conservation of angular momentum. Abraham 77 Minkowski explored the arithmetic of quadratic forms, especially that concerning n variables, and his research into that topic led him to consider certain geometric properties in a space of n dimensions. In 1896, he presented his geometry of numbers, a geometrical method that solved problems in number theory. In 1902, he joined the Mathematics Department of Göttingen, where he held the third chair in mathematics, created for him at David Hilbert's request. By 1907 Minkowski realised that the special theory of relativity, introduced by Einstein in 1905 and based on previous work of Lorentz and Poincaré, could be best understood in a non-Euclidean space, since known as "Minkowski space", in which the time and space are not separate entities but intermingled in a four dimensional space-time, and in which the Lorentz geometry of special relativity can be nicely represented. This technique certainly helped Einstein's quest for general relativity. In 1909, at the young age of 44, Minkowski died suddenly from a ruptured appendix. Despite having an interest in mathematical physics and dabbling in this field, his main work was in the field of the geometry of number, although he is best remembered for his four-dimensional space-time. Theory The Abraham and Minkowski tensors The Minkowski and Abraham tensors lead to essentially different expressions for the density (g) of field momentum. In vector form they are given by: [ ] 4 1  DB      = c g M π for the Minkowski form, and [ ] 4 1  EH      = c g A π for the Abraham form. Where D = ε 0E + P and ( ) B = µ 0 H + M . These lead to the following expressions for the photon’s momentum in the medium: c nh c nul G g l M M ν = = = according to Minkowski, and nc h G g l A A ν = = according to Abraham where u h l ν = and represents the length of the line of plane-polarised waves in the wavepacket Note that in a vacuum the tensors are identical; problems arise only in connexion with electromagnetic fields in matter [5]. The Minkowski energy-momentum tensor is asymmetric, implying non-conservation of angular momentum. Abraham