D O C U M E N T S 2 3 7 , 2 3 8 A P R I L 1 9 2 4 2 3 5
237. To Hendrik A. Lorentz
[Berlin or Kiel, after 21 April
1924][1]
[…]
¢1)² Now in answer to your
questions[2]
1) The building represented in the illus-
tration has, in fact, been built on the grounds of the Astrophysical Observatory in
Potsdam; the illustration is probably a reproduction of a photograph, because it is
exactly in accord with the
original.[3]
2) The tower is used for solar and stellar spectroscopic photography. It’s basic
shape is determined by the ray path for the imaging, which—as far as I know—has
been determined by Dr.
Freundlich[4]
somewhat based on an American model, but
deviating from it in essential
points.[5]
The architectural features originate from a talented young architect (Erich
Mendelsohn[6]
); nobody else exerted influence on it. The building is in any case
original and receives a lot of protest but also much
applause;[7]
it does not look
pompous and defiant, but has been executed with almost exquisite economy.
Cordial regards to you and your
wife,[8]
very sincerely yours,
A. Einstein.
238. From Heinrich Zangger
[Zurich, ca. 23 April
1924][1]
*** Einstein,
You are still coming to Switzerland in May, as you did promise or
envision?[2]
In the enclosed, thoughts on the question of the importance of fibrous structure, es-
sence of fiber
structure.[3]
You were probably also with Debye in Brussels; he certainly told you about what
is being done where he
is.[4]
The disaster in the Gotthard preoccupies me
terribly.[5]
2 assistants have been
there since the start.
With dev[oted] greetings,
Zangger
The problem of cohesion and tear-resistance
Criteria: Speaking in favor of something essential is that:
I. With diminishing cross section, the tensile strength for certain blocks of salt
rises quite constantly; if there were tiny fissures, this would hardly be comprehen-
sible.