  In the present paper a geometrization of electrodynamics is proposed which
makes use of a generalization of Riemannian geometry considered already by
Einstein and Cartan in the 20ies. Cartan's differential forms description of a
teleparallel space-time with torsion is modified by introducing distortion
1-forms which correspond to the distortion tensor in dislocation theory. Under
the condition of teleparallelism, the antisymmetrized part of the distorsion
1-form approximates the electromagnetic field, whereas the antisymmetrized part
of torsion contributes to the electromagnetic current. Cartan's structure
equations, the Bianchi identities, Maxwell's equations and the continuity
equation are thus linked in a most simple way. After these purely geometric
considerations a physical interpretation, using analogies to the theory of
defects in ordered media, is given. A simple defect, which is neither a
dislocation nor disclination proper, appears as source of the electromagnetic
field. Since this defect is rotational rather than translational, there seems
to be no contradiction to Noether's theorem as in other theories relating
torsion to electromagnetism. Then,congruences of defect properties and quantum
behaviour that arise are discussed, supporting the hypothesis that elementary
particles are topological defects of space-time. In agreement with the
differential geometry results, a dimensional analysis indicates that the
physical unit (lenght)^2 rather than As is the appropriate unit of the electric
charge.
