E I N S T E I N S L E C T U R E A T K Y O T O U N I V E R S I T Y 6 2 5 Feierliches Mittagessen mit Professoren der Universität. Grosse Studentenver- sammlung. Ansprache des Rektors und Vertreters der Studentenschaft in tadel- losem Deutsch (sehr herzlich). Dann Vortrag von mir über Entstehung der Relativitätstheorie (auf Wunsch). The only extant account of the content of the lecture is provided by Ishiwara in his own words, published first in Kaizo and reprinted shortly thereafter as a chapter in his book about Einstein’s Japan lectures, published in 1923. The book version was reprinted in 1971 in a revised edition, edited by Ishiwara’s son Hitoshi.[3] In the first account of Einstein’s address, published shortly thereafter in Kaizo, Ishiwara prefaced his rendition of the lecture by acknowledging that: This is not something that Professor Einstein wrote himself. What I have writ- ten is a translation in my own words of the gist of what the professor related to the students at the end of a welcoming party at Kyoto University on 14 Decem- ber of last year. If there is any defect in my recollection or my understanding, this is my responsibility, and I must apologize both to Professor Einstein and to the reader. Nevertheless, I have sought to publish this believing that such an ad- dress can only be heard from the professor’s own mouth, and cannot be found in any of the books now circulating, and that it is thus precious and noteworthy. With this understanding, I ask for the generous indulgence of both the professor and the reader.[4] In the reprinted version of Ishiwara’s text in his book about Einstein’s Japan lectures, the Kyoto lecture is prefaced by the following introductory paragraphs: I [Ishiwara] feel that I must say a little more about the lecture in Kyoto that I just mentioned. It took place on December 14. It was a cold day and, as on the previous day, we could see a light snow covering the roofs in the morning. At noon, we went to the university with the professor to attend a luncheon party. During a short break afterwards, the faculty talked with Professor Einstein. Then it was time for a student reception. As the professor was about to get up from his chair, I told him about a proposal of Professor Nishida. As I mentioned before, he was the one who first urged Mr. Yamamoto of Kaizo-sha to invite Professor Einstein. He had suggested enthusiastically that “if we can ask him to speak on a particular topic today, we would like to hear the story of how Pro- fessor Einstein created the theory of relativity. I cannot tell you how useful this would be for our students and for us.” Professor Einstein probably had a favor- able impression of Professor Nishida. As soon as he started walking, he replied: ‘That is not so easy, but if this is what you want me to talk about, I would be happy to. Whatever topic I speak on, it is the same with me.’
Previous Page Next Page