  We argue that the classical theory of electromagnetism is based on Maxwell's
macroscopic equations, an energy postulate, a momentum postulate, and a
generalized form of the Lorentz law of force. These seven postulates constitute
the foundation of a complete and consistent theory, thus eliminating the need
for actual (i.e., physical) models of polarization P and magnetization M, these
being the distinguishing features of Maxwell's macroscopic equations. In the
proposed formulation, P(r,t) and M(r,t) are arbitrary functions of space and
time, their physical properties being embedded in the seven postulates of the
theory. The postulates are self-consistent, comply with the requirements of the
special theory of relativity, and satisfy the laws of conservation of energy,
linear momentum, and angular momentum. One advantage of the proposed
formulation is that it side-steps the long-standing Abraham-Minkowski
controversy surrounding the electromagnetic momentum inside a material medium
by simply "assigning" the Abraham momentum density E(r,t) x H(r,t)/c^2 to the
electromagnetic field. This well-defined momentum is thus taken to be universal
as it does not depend on whether the field is propagating or evanescent, and
whether or not the host medium is homogeneous, transparent, isotropic,
dispersive, magnetic, linear, etc. In other words, the local and instantaneous
momentum density is uniquely and unambiguously specified at each and every
point of the material system in terms of the E and H fields residing at that
point. Any variation with time of the total electromagnetic momentum of a
closed system results in a force exerted on the material media within the
system in accordance with the generalized Lorentz law.
