Indian nuclear physicist (1909-1966) who played a major role in the development of the Indian atomic energy program and is considered to be the founder, creator, and father of the Indian nuclear program. Bhabha served as the first president of the United Nations’ first Atomic Peace Conference held in Geneva. His pioneering research would ultimately lead, long after his death, to the first Indian moon launch in 2009, when water was discovered on the moon for the first time. Bhabha died in January 1966 when Air India Flight 101 crashed near Mont Blanc. Conspiracy theories point to a sabotage by the CIA intended at impeding India's nuclear program, but his death still remains a mystery.
Uncommon ALS signed “Homi,” four pages on two adjoining sheets, 4.5 x 7, Gonville and Caius College letterhead, February 3, 1936. Addressed “Hello Darling,” the physicist writes in part: “Just a line to enclose some of the drawings of the play. The play was performed on Sat. evening & afternoon. The evening house was nearly sold out. The scenery was much appreciated I gather…The prison scene was very effective. There was a tower on left built (painted) of large blocks of stone with a doorway/curtain half-stage came across to 1/3 of stage from right, and the gap between the two was occupied by an iron grid disappearing out of sight. The inside of the prison therefore faced the audience, and was dark…I thought the play was very moving, a great play. I got the whole scenery ready in two days which was a dreadful rush. If I had had more time I could have done it better. I had also my other mathematical work to do and to give my lectures in addition. So you see I had no time to write. Now that the play is finished, I find it difficult to settle down to work, although I have a lot to do.” In fine condition, with rusty paperclip mark to top of each page, and a mild shade of toning.
This letter is undoubtedly written to his lady love, a married American named Jessie, whom Bhabha met briefly as a research student during a trip to Europe in 1933. The two would end up having a lifelong connection, writing each other relentlessly until his tragic death. Although their affection is evident in this letter, it is interesting to note that HomiÿBhabhaÿnever married. Once, when asked about his bachelor status by a reporter, he replied that he was “married to creativity."
Bhabha received his doctorate from Cambridge in 1934 during a period filled with major discoveries in physics. During this time he visited the likes of Enrico Fermi in Rome and worked briefly with Niels Bohr in Copenhagen. The young scientist actively published papers in theoretical physics, particularly the physics of cosmic rays. One paper, published the same year as this lighter correspondence, described how primary cosmic rays from space interact with the upper atmosphere to produce particles observed at the ground level. The theory, coupled with later calculations, led to the verification of Albert Einstein's theory of relativity. RRAuction COA.
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