Beschreibung:

EINSTEIN, Albert (1879-1955). Autograph letter signed ('Albert') to his first wife, Mileva, n.d., 12 March [1918], 3 pages, 4to , on a bifolium. EINSTEIN'S FORMAL REQUEST FOR A DIVORCE. Einstein excuses his delay in writing, which has been due to an overload of work on various manuscripts, but he moves straight on to the question of their divorce: 'For you it's a pure formality, but for me it is an unavoidable duty', ingeniously explaining his need for a divorce in terms of his relationship with the two daughters of his future second wife, Elsa: 'Try to put yourself in my position. Elsa has two daughters, the eldest of whom is 18, i.e. of marriageable age. This child, who is already at a disadvantage through the loss of an eye, has to suffer under the rumours which are current about my relationship with her mother. This weighs upon me and should be put right through a formal marriage'. Einstein also attempts to put across the advantages from Mileva's point of view, setting out the financial settlement he intends to make, and insisting that 'the well-being of my children is the most important thing in the world for me. I am personally also always there for your support. Our separation has nothing to do with my relationship with the children'. He does make one stipulation, however, that he should be able not only to travel to see his children but also to have them to stay with him in his own flat -- laying great emphasis on the fact that he continues to live alone, a condition which he describes as 'an indescribable relief', and claims he will never give up.