  The derivation of absorber theory is outlined in very detail. Absorber theory
is based on classical action-at-a-distance electrodynamics, but it deviates
from that theory at a crucial point. It is shown that (a) absorber theory
cannot achieve any of it's essential results without this deviation, and that
(b) this deviation restricts the application range of absorber theory to
stationary radiation processes. Furthermore an error which crept into Wheeler's
and Feynman's interpretation of their equation (19) is pointed out. These
shortcomings can probably be eliminated by a quantum-theoretical formulation of
absorber theory.
