D O C U M E N T S 2 1 0 , 2 1 1 N O V E M B E R 1 9 2 0 3 1 5
The stink from my dear Mosz[kowski]’s pot of trouble still hasn’t dissipated yet,
thanks to the slowness of the printing
presses.[4]
It’s a pity that I can’t demonstrate
it to you in natura; you have a sense for such things. Mrs. Born’s crescendo finally
grew into such an awful fortissimo
penetrante[5]
that I had to silence her with a very
slight hint of irony. A little Dutch breeze would do them good.
I am coming no closer to my pet research goal (overdetermination and unifica-
tion . .
.[6]
).
Hearty greetings also to your wife and children from your
Einstein.
Best regards to the two Russian youngsters
[Maltschiks].[7]
210. To Augustus Trowbridge
Berlin, 27 November 1920
Dear Colleague,
I cordially thank you and the gentlemen of the Research Council of the National
Academy for the honorable
invitation.[1]
The invitation fills me with gladness not
only because it confirms the general interest in the theory of relativity but also,
above all, because it is a sign of the renewed beginnings of international exchanges
between scholars.
Unfortunately I cannot accept your invitation for the time being, because I am
already negotiating with two American
universities.[2]
Therefore, I cannot think
about committing myself otherwise before these negotiations are completed.
In great respect,
211. To Edgar Meyer
[Berlin,] 28 November 1920
Dear Mr. Meyer,
I hesitated so long with this letter because refusal—one more time—is so hard
for
me.[1]
It is perhaps even rash of me to stay in Berlin, but I simply cannot leave.
Not that I do not value the scientific milieu of Zurich just as highly as that of Berlin.
Nor do I underestimate the physical advantages and security in any way. I know
that we would fit together perfectly and would accomplish much of profit. I love
Zurich and would have my dear sons nearby, which means very much to me. How-
ever! You too will turn your back on this provincial university when you have the
chance. Scientists are simply valued quite differently here than in Zurich. I am in-
dependent in an entirely different way and my will counts for something. And the
deafening outcry if I went away from here, and justifiably
so![2]
I hardly dare to