  We discuss the origin of the Schott energy in the Abraham-Lorentz version of
electrodynamic radiation theory and how it can be used to explain some apparent
paradoxes. We also derive the generalization of this quantity for the
Ford-O'Connell equation, which has the merit of being derived exactly from a
microscopic Hamiltonian for an electron with structure and has been shown to be
free of the problems associated with the Abraham-Lorentz theory. We emphasize
that the instantaneous power supplied by the applied force not only gives rise
to radiation (acceleration fields), but it can change the kinetic energy of the
electron and change the Schott energy of the velocity fields. The important
role played by boundary conditions is noted.
