Important English physicist (1856-1940) who received the Nobel Prize for Physics in 1906 for his discovery and identification of the electron. Rare ALS, one page both sides, 4.5 x 7, Cavendish Laboratory, Cambridge letterhead, October 3, 1911. Handwritten letter to "Worthington," in full: "I think if Silberstein got sufficiently good testimonials it might be possible to get a course of lectures by him recognized by the Mathematical Board: this would merely mean that they appeared in the official list, not that the lecturer received any salary. In fact he certainly would not and all his remuneration would have to come from fees, which would probably be very few. I should think a family would find it very difficult to live on £250 a year in Cambridge. It is not a cheap place. I think your suggestion that if Silberstein contemplates coming here he should pay a visit before coming to a decision, a very excellent one. He would then be able to find out whether the conditions here are such as would be agreeable to him." In fine condition.
Thomson was appointed to the esteemed Cavendish Professorship of Experimental Physics in 1884 and made his most important scientific breakthroughs in the Cambridge lab. In 1912, Silberstein spoke on 'some applications of quaternions' before the International Congress of Mathematicians at Cambridge.
From the collection of physicist Ludwik Siberstein.
