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Lot Essay
Visits to his first wife and to a seriously ill friend – and work on 'the exploration of the electron question'.
Einstein very much regrets not having been able to visit Besso, but time was short, and he had to visit his first wife Mileva, and also his friend Marcel Grossmann, who is suffering from an onset of paralysis and serious speech difficulties [Grossmann was to die of multiple sclerosis in 1936]. He permits Besso to discuss the scientific problem (see previous lot) with anybody, 'I only wish to reserve the exploration of the electron question to myself, out of respect to my collaborator [Jacob Grommer]'.
The mathematician Marcel Grossmann was a friend of Einstein's from their schooldays, and also a crucial collaborator in the elaboration of the general theory of relativity.
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Condition report
A Christie's specialist may contact you to discuss this lot or to notify you if the condition changes prior to the sale.
The condition of lots can vary widely and the nature of the lots sold means that they are unlikely to be in a perfect condition. Lots are sold in the condition they are in at the time of sale.
Minor soiling, one corner of picture side slightly dog-eared.
The condition of lots sold can vary widely due to factors such as age, previous damage, restoration, repair, and wear and tear. The nature of the lots sold means that they will rarely be in perfect condition. Lots are sold in the condition they are in at the time of sale.
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Lot 27Sale 15777
Kiel, 4 August 1925'The exploration of the electron question'Estimate: USD 1,500 - 2,000
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