American physicist (1892-1962) who won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1927 for his discovery of the Compton effect. Exceptional group lot of three items signed by physicist Arthur Compton highlighted by an ALS from January 27, 1951, which reads: “It is my hope and fervent prayer that it will never become necessary again to use the atomic bomb in war.” In addition to the handwritten letter, the lot includes a TLS on Washington University letterhead, dated December 8, 1950, and a vintage glossy 6 x 8 photo of Compton conducting an experiment, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Bill, with best wishes, Arthur H. Compton.” In overall very good to fine condition, with rippling, silvering and a corner crease to the photo.
