A scientific story of generalized Lorenz-Mie theories with epistemological remarks

This paper is concerned with a scientific story of the development of generalized Lorenz-Mie theories, in short GLMTs (such as motivations, precursors, difficulties and solutions to difficulties). A strong emphasis is however devoted to aspects which rather pertain to epistemological issues, GLMTs then forming a pretext for expositions which are matching some of the current interests of the author, in particular the issue of contingency in the development of theories.

► A scientific story of the development of generalized Lorenz-Mie theories is provided. ► It is a pretext to discuss a few issues of epistemology and history of sciences. ► Main issue discussed: contingency in philosophy of sciences.