Details
Albert Einstein (1879-1955).

Autograph letter signed ('Albert') to his sister, Maja Winteler-Einstein, n.p. [?Princeton], n.d. [1936].

In German, one page, 279 x 213mm.



Provenance
Maja Winteler-Einstein (1881-1951) – her husband Paul Winteler (1882-1952) – Besso family.
Literature
Unpublished.
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Lot Essay

Science is 'the most satisfying thing in life': on his pleasure in science, his wife's illness, and anger at the thought of Maja giving up her house.

Einstein is horrified by the news that the Wintelers are thinking of giving up their house in Florence, for which he has provided significant financial support, and he writes angrily: 'I am alarmed and concerned to hear that you are going about with the thought of giving away your estate, after I have invested such great sums in order to make a comfortable home for you. At the time, you engaged yourselves in writing and solemnly to remain there and to keep possession of it free of debt, and I now take you at your word. But if you do not stand by your word, then you can never again count on my help. So think carefully about it....'. He already has sufficient financial worries in looking after Mileva [his first wife]. Meanwhile, Elsa Einstein is in constant pain, and suffers 'not only in her body but also from the diametrically opposing opinions of the doctors'. Einstein himself is well, and working away. He is happy to hear that Paul Winteler is working scientifically: 'This is the most satisfying thing in life – if it makes progress in some way'.
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