  Space time is described as a continuum four-dimensional medium similar to
ordinary elastic continua. Exploiting the analogy internal stress states are
considered. The internal ''stress'' is originated by the presence of defects.
The defects are described according to the typical Volterra process. The case
of a point defect in an otherwise isotropic four-dimensional medium is
discussed showing that the resulting metric tensor corresponds to an expanding
(or contracting) universe filled up with a non-zero energy-momentum density.
