Early ALS in German, signed “A. Einstein,” penned on the correspondence side of a 3.5 x 5.5 postal card, no date, but postmarked November 28, 1913. Einstein writes to his noted colleague, Dr. Erwin Finlay-Freundlich at the Observatory Neubabelsberg in Berlin, mentioning Max Planck and a “theory.” In full: “I just finished writing to Planck. I had neglected to mail you a copy of the treatise, because I did not have a spare copy (as for myself). Soon I expect to receive one of the Vienna’s presentation and one of another short presentation. I will be sending you one of each. Further pondering on it, is only leading me to greater conviction of the Theory’s merit. If only the weather will be cooperating for the eclipse.” Einstein has also hand-addressed the reverse of the postcard. In fine condition, with a few minor unobtrusive creases and light show-through from postal cancellation on reverse, lightly visible under a few words of text at beginning.
Erwin Finlay-Freundlich (1885-1964) was an astronomer and the youngest assistant at the Berlin University observatory. He became an enthusiastic collaborator in Einstein's work on relativity, introducing experiments for which the general theory of relativity could be tested by astronomical observations. Freundlich was interested in measuring the deflection in a light ray passing close to the sun since Einstein's theory of relativity suggested that this test could be used to check the validity of the theory.
The only way to make such measurements at this time was during an eclipse, as mentioned in the letter, and Freundlich wanted to journey to somewhere within the path of totality of the eclipse which was due to happen on August 21, 1914, but would require an expedition to the Russian Crimea. Einstein was eager to test his theory, and after some financial wrangling and a private donation by the Krupp Foundation, as well as several letters from Einstein to Max Planck asking for funding (one of which Einstein is probably alluding to in his opening sentence), Freundlich made the trip.
Unfortunately, just three weeks before the eclipse, Germany declared war against Russia. Freundlich and his German comrades were captured, and their equipment confiscated. Even if Freundlich had been able to conduct his experiment, it is doubtful if it would have produced any results, as the skies were cloudy during the event. However, the termination of the experiment indicated Einstein’s equations were incorrect. Had Freundlich succeeded in 1914, Einstein may have been publicly proven incorrect. Opportunity would come five years later with the eclipse of May 29, 1919, which was able to provide the clinching evidence in favor of one of the most
revolutionary ideas in the history of physics. An incredible and rare opportunity to own an early Einstein letter mentioning his world renowned theory of general relativity! Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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