EINSTEIN, Albert (1879-1955). Autograph letter signed ("Papa") to his son Eduard Einstein, Kaputh [c.1930s]. In German. Two pages, 216 x 280mm (a little minor soiling and wear at folds; small closed tear not affecting text). Einstein writes a lengthy letter on scientific topics to his son, Eduard , asking a question about physiology and giving an update on his work with mathematician Dr W. Mayer. He opens by reporting on his home life: "Everything here is going well. Albert is here with his wife and enjoys his vacation. He is an industrious, healthy lad, and still looks like a boy; meanwhile he is on his way to fatherhood." He comments on verses Eduard sent him—he tells him "they are a bit too clever and not natural and original enough for my taste. Well, you have a strict father, strict at least about all things on paper, otherwise tolerant." He continues, "I shall ask you something quick about physiology, while you haven't forgotten it yet. Is anything known about what facilitates, the propagation of stimuli in nerves? Don't let them tell you anything about vitalism. The fact, for example, that one can produce an entire animal from one or two cells created by the division of the original cell of an embryo proves nothing against the clockwork-like causality of biological processes. This fact only shows that the environment of a cell significantly contributes to what it develops into. Of course I also believe that physical and chemical analysis is no more able to bring light on the nature of life, than it can do, say, on the essence of the book, although nobody would think to doubt the validity of the laws of physics and chemistry. The meaning is not found in the parts, but in a synthesis of effects which is baffling to me ["Der Sinn eben nicht in der Teilen, sondern in einer Synthese von Wirkungen, der wir ganz blode gegenüberstehe"]. Goethe said it wonderfully 'You hold the parts in your hand, but you're lacking the conceptual band.'" He also mentions that his work with Dr Mayer "is proceeding beautifully. I've never had such a gripping problem ["So ein fesselndes Problem hab ich noch nie gehabt"]. I believe we will soon be able to grasp why electrical particles all have the same charge. It is like a simple bonding of space ["eine einfache Verknotung des Raumes "]. It is almost too beautiful to be true." Mayer began to work with Einstein in January 1930, writing several papers on unified field theory with him. Provenance : Christie's, 7 June 2000, lot 25.
EINSTEIN, Albert (1879-1955). Autograph letter signed ("Papa") to his son Eduard Einstein, Kaputh [c.1930s]. In German. Two pages, 216 x 280mm (a little minor soiling and wear at folds; small closed tear not affecting text). Einstein writes a lengthy letter on scientific topics to his son, Eduard , asking a question about physiology and giving an update on his work with mathematician Dr W. Mayer. He opens by reporting on his home life: "Everything here is going well. Albert is here with his wife and enjoys his vacation. He is an industrious, healthy lad, and still looks like a boy; meanwhile he is on his way to fatherhood." He comments on verses Eduard sent him—he tells him "they are a bit too clever and not natural and original enough for my taste. Well, you have a strict father, strict at least about all things on paper, otherwise tolerant." He continues, "I shall ask you something quick about physiology, while you haven't forgotten it yet. Is anything known about what facilitates, the propagation of stimuli in nerves? Don't let them tell you anything about vitalism. The fact, for example, that one can produce an entire animal from one or two cells created by the division of the original cell of an embryo proves nothing against the clockwork-like causality of biological processes. This fact only shows that the environment of a cell significantly contributes to what it develops into. Of course I also believe that physical and chemical analysis is no more able to bring light on the nature of life, than it can do, say, on the essence of the book, although nobody would think to doubt the validity of the laws of physics and chemistry. The meaning is not found in the parts, but in a synthesis of effects which is baffling to me ["Der Sinn eben nicht in der Teilen, sondern in einer Synthese von Wirkungen, der wir ganz blode gegenüberstehe"]. Goethe said it wonderfully 'You hold the parts in your hand, but you're lacking the conceptual band.'" He also mentions that his work with Dr Mayer "is proceeding beautifully. I've never had such a gripping problem ["So ein fesselndes Problem hab ich noch nie gehabt"]. I believe we will soon be able to grasp why electrical particles all have the same charge. It is like a simple bonding of space ["eine einfache Verknotung des Raumes "]. It is almost too beautiful to be true." Mayer began to work with Einstein in January 1930, writing several papers on unified field theory with him. Provenance : Christie's, 7 June 2000, lot 25.
Try LotSearch and its premium features for 7 days - without any costs!
Be notified automatically about new items in upcoming auctions.
Create an alert.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
