Hungarian-American theoretical physicist, engineer and mathematician (1902-1995) who received half of the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1963 'for his contributions to the theory of the atomic nucleus and the elementary particles, particularly through the discovery and application of fundamental symmetry principles.' Four items: a TLS, signed “Eugene P. Wigner,” one page, Palmer Physical Laboratory, July 10, 1965, addressed to Tina Levitan, forwarding biographical information for a book, in part: “Perhaps I ought to tell you that, even though I come on my mother’s side from my Jewish ancestors, my father was not Jewish,” adding in his own hand, “as far as I know”; an ALS, signed “E. P. Wigner,” one page, January 20, 1978, addressed to Mr. Sutherland, in part: “I was never in Los Alamos during the war. In Oak Ridge, I was supposed to assume the name Warner and got through the first gate with that name but at the next one, I was told ‘We do not go in to such nonsense, here is a badge with your true name’”; an ALS, signed “E. P. Wigner,” one page, University of Wisconsin letterhead, May 23, 1979, addressed to Dr. Marcus, in part: “Some of the criticism of the Rasmussen report seems to have a valid basis. Accurate numbers for tiny probabilities of future events do not have a realistic basis. However, as far [as] the conclusions are concerned, most of us agree with him”; and three pages of handwritten lecture notes for the “City College of New York,” unsigned, dated October 13, 1976, which begins: “Events, laws of nature, invariance principles, subject rather general, in fact semiphilosophical. Most what I discuss is not my contribution. Three concepts: 1. Events…2. Laws of nature…3. Symmetries.” Also includes a carbon copy of a typed letter to Leo Szilard, dated May 28, 1963, and a packet of sheets featuring Wigner's statement on the Three Mile Island accident, with a few handwritten emendations. In overall fine condition.
