Since there seems to exist a preferred frame of reference in the universe, determined by the large-scale distribution of matter, a theory of gravitation is considered which resembles the general theory of relativity in being based on the equivalence principle, but is without the covariance principle. This theory leads to the same results as general relativity in the three crucial tests. The formalism can be modified to take into account the solar oblateness observed by Dicke and Goldenberg.

• Received 30 November 1970

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevD.3.2317