The 30 Minute Rule begins August 12 at 7:00 PM EDT. An Initial Bid Must Be Placed By August 12 at 6:00 PM EDT To Participate After 6:00 PM EDT
Two handwritten letters by Albert Einstein to German mathematician Chaim Herman Muntz, with whom he was working closely on formalizing the 'Unified Field Theory.'
- ALS in pencil, signed "A. E.," written on both sides of a 4 x 5.75 postcard, postmarked August 21, 1928. In full (translated): "Thank you very much for your two letters! The centrally-symmetric solution is (unfortunately!) based on a calculation error in which the coupled field equation is not satisfied by the approach above. There does not seem to be a centrally symmetric electrostatic solution. So for the time being, the outlook is bleak for the physical interpretation of the theory.
I have revisited the problem of motion in the original theory of gravitation in order to deepen my understanding of the method for deriving the law of motion, because a serious testing/examination of field theories is only possible if one has a firm grasp of the law of motion of singularities. I look forward to the time when we can speak again. I’ve always believed that this long-distance connection will eventually lead to something."
- ALS in pencil, signed "A. E.," written on both sides of a 4 x 5.75 postcard, postmarked August 22, 1928. In full (translated): "Your electron is possible if one considers the Hamilton-Function: [Formula]. Therefore, the invariant [Formula] does come into its own. Now, the law of motion for singularities must be sought to see if it is justified anywhere to identify [Formula] with the electrical potentials. I developed the method in the earlier theory of gravitation in such a way that it can be conveniently transferred to other cases. I am pleased that I can show you all of this."
In overall fine to very fine condition.
These exceptional August 1928 letters capture Einstein in the midst of his ambitious effort to formulate a unified field theory joining gravitation and electromagnetism. Writing to German mathematician Chaim Herman Müntz, Einstein discusses the “centrally-symmetric solution” and the possibility of deriving an “electron” from the field equations themselves—an essential aim of his unified program, in which particles would appear not as separate entities but as special solutions, or singularities, of the field. In the first postcard, Einstein reports that Müntz’s proposed solution is “unfortunately” based on a calculation error, dimming its promise as a physical interpretation of the theory. Yet he immediately turns to the deeper issue of deriving the law of motion for singularities, revisiting his earlier work in general relativity to refine the method by which particle motion might be obtained directly from field equations.
Written just one day later, the second postcard shows Einstein reconsidering the problem, now allowing that “your electron is possible” under the proper Hamiltonian formulation. He emphasizes that the next step is to determine whether the law of motion for singularities justifies identifying the relevant field quantities with electrical potentials. These letters therefore document a critical stage in Einstein’s private mathematical development of unified field theory, just months before his paper 'On Unified Field Theory' was presented to the Prussian Academy of Sciences on January 10, 1929, and published on January 30, 1929. In that paper, Einstein explicitly acknowledged Müntz’s contribution, thanking him for his 'laboriously precise calculation of the centrally symmetric problem,' the results of which had suggested the method used in the published theory. Together, these two postcards offer extraordinary insight into Einstein’s working process: a moment of correction, reconsideration, and renewed theoretical possibility at the heart of his effort to unite gravity and electromagnetism.
This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for
$150.00
*This item has been pre-certified by a trusted third-party authentication service, and by placing a bid on this item, you agree to accept the opinion of this authentication service. If you wish to have an opinion rendered by a different authenticator of your choosing, you must do so prior to your placing of any bid. RR Auction is not responsible for differing opinions submitted 30 days after the date of the sale.
Third-party authentication service applies only to signatures and handwriting, and does not cover the addition of sketches, artwork, musical quotations, etc.
