V O L U M E 9 , D O C U M E N T S 6 8 a , 6 9 a 1 2 1
Vol. 9, 68a. To Elsa Einstein
Tuesday, in the train on the return
trip.[1]
[1 July 1919]
Dear Else,
Mama senses that she is seriously ill but is still hoping for a recovery. Her only
very strong wish is to be brought back to Berlin with me. The doctor doesn’t ex-
clude the possibility of fulfilling this
wish.[2]
Blame for this wish lies in her very
strong antipathy toward Pauli and the
housekeeping[3]
and her yearning to be with
Aunt Fanny. I’m for having this last wish of hers fulfilled, if possible; she wants to
live with Aunt Fanny and would, of course, have to have a full-time
nurse.[4]
I’d
bear all the costs. My presence is a great relief for her. The pain is horrible but not
always quite so severe. Maja nurses her devotedly but cannot continue to do so in
the long run. Accommodating a nurse in this snug apartment would be impossible.
The possibility of an embolism persists, because the thrombosis persists—albeit to
a lesser
degree.[5]
The swelling seems to deaden the pain somewhat. Appearance
not bad, however, memory has suffered from the constant use of painkillers. Ac-
cording to the doctor, it could still take a year until the release!
Best wishes to you and yours,
Albert.
Vol. 9, 69a. To Elsa Einstein
[Zurich,] Wednesday. [2 July 1919]
Dear Else,
This morning I finished off the expert
opinion.[1]
Toward midday I visited
Zangger & discussed the illness and other matters with
him.[2]
After lunch I lay
down until four o’clock. Then Edith came to see me about her
dissertation.[3]
She’ll
get sick and tired of the subject. Such a thing is unsuitable for women. At a quarter
to 6
Tete[4]
came on a visit until now, before dinner. My courses take place on Fri-
day, Saturday, and Monday (in the evening). Today it’s cold and frosty. I haven’t
gone out visiting anyone yet, hardly even went out for a walk. My boys are very
nice and give me much joy.
Albert[5]
spent the whole evening with me. Miza is
leaving with Tete around the middle of the month for
Rheinfelden.[6]
Then I’ll be
living with Albert in the
apartment.[7]
Until that time I’ll stay at the
“Sternwarte.”[8]
Mayer’s[9]
other boy also had an accident now. He was hit by a car and had a head
wound. The other one’s broken leg was not properly reset so he limps. Others also
have much to endure!