Dutch physicist (1853-1928) who shared the 1902 Nobel Prize in Physics for the discovery and theoretical explanation of the Zeeman effect. ALS signed “H. A. Lorentz,” one page both sides, 6 x 9.5, Hotel McAlpin letterhead, April 2, 1927. Handwritten letter to Dr. Ludwik Silberstein, in full: "I have been so busy these last weeks, that I did not yet acknowledge the receipt (as I ought to have done) of the copy of my Leiden lectures which you and Mr. Trivelli had the kindness to send me. In doing so now, I express my very hearty thanks for all the care which, notwithstanding all the work you have to do, you have bestowed upon the book. Indeed, it must have taken a good deal, too much, I fear, of your time. So far as I read it, the translation is excellent; indeed, it could not have been in better hands and one can see that it has been done with affection. This is also apparent in the preface and I am very thankful for it. I hope now that the success of this translation may be somewhat worth of all the time and the work which you devoted to it. We are leaving this country with the most pleasant recollections; among them is that of the days which we spent in Rochester. It was a very great pleasure to me to meet you again and I heartily hope this may not have been the last time. With out kind regards and greetings to Mrs. Silberstein and yourself, and with my best wishes for the happiness and health of you all and for the continuation of your scientific work." Silberstein notes the dates of receipt and reply at the top. In fine condition, with light irregular toning. Accompanied by the original memorandum of agreement between Silberstein, Trivelli, and Macmillan for "an English Version of Lorentz's Lectures on Theoretical Physics," three pages, 8.5 x 13.75, January 8, 1924, outlining the terms of the publishing agreement and signed at the conclusion by the firm's director, "George A. Macmillan."
Dr. Silberstein, with A. P. Trivelli, translated Lorentz's Leiden lectures from the original Dutch, published in book form by Macmillan in 1927. The topics covered were aberration of light; mechanical ether theories; Kelvin's model of the ether; attraction and repulsion of pulsating spheres; inner friction and sliding, treated hydro-dynamically; friction and sliding, treated kinetically; Knudsen's investigations on rarefied gases; remarks on Lesage's theory of gravitation; friction and heat conduction in the propagation of sound; kinetic theory of systems of electrons, Richardson's investigations; vacuum contact of plates of different metals; and problems in which the motion of electrons plays a part.
From the collection of physicist Ludwik Siberstein.
