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2.2.3 Geometry of the Space-Time Continuum

That space and time, individually, are continuous is obvious. However, the concept that time is a special kind of space and may be treated as such, has no rational basis, even though mathematically it is very convenient. This concept of a 'Space-Time' continuum was created in 1908 by the mathematician H. Minkowski, as a way of explaining Special Relativity in terms of hyperbolic geometry. Subsequently, in 1915, Einstein added curvature to space-time to form the basic structure of General Relativity.

Einstein's 1917 paper applying General Relativity to Cosmology, was eventually rejected because he insisted that the universe was static, that is, not expanding. As astronomical evidence for expansion accumulated, Friedman's (1923) expansion theory of the universe - (a modification of General Relativity), became the basis of modern Cosmology.

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