D O C U M E N T 1 9 2 M A Y 1 9 2 2 1 6 7 hypothesis:[6] Silver atoms are always in some sort of magnetic field (even in the melting-pot) and there are already oriented toward the local magnetic field.— While vaporizing and flying up to the strong magnetic field, they then undergo only adiabatic changes (no radiation).— This way seems nonsense to me. But the fol- lowing modification of Breit’s assumption could perhaps be right: At the instant of vaporization!! the atoms adjust themselves unadiabatically to the magnetic field at A (terminal field + dispersive field of the magnets), namely almost 50% positively 50% negatively.– During the flight from A to B both groups adjust themselves adiabatically to the magnet’s field orientation.— This suffices for Stern and Gerlach. in Breit’s F[o]rm What’s your verdict on this hypothesis in modifi[ed] Form I request a speedy, clear response.– And how might I formulate this hypothesis in our note? — . — — . — In my next letter I’m going to tell you about a hugely funny hypothesis by Breit and Borelius[7] on the character of superconductivity that can be checked by a very simple experiment. If they are right, it really is hilarious. — . — Best regards from each of us in turn! Yours, P. Ehrenfest. Convey my sincere wishes to your wife and the Il[se]-Margot [Il-mar-go-tse]. 192. From Eric Drummond[1] Geneva, 17 May 1922 Esteemed Professor, I have the honor of informing you that the First Assembly of the League of Nations adopted a resolution inviting the Council to present at the Second Assem- bly a report on the possible utility of creating a technical organization for coordi- nating the work of intellectuals. Subsequent to the report by Mr. Léon Bourgeois[2] solid silver magnet A B C D plate