3 6 2 D O C U M E N T 3 7 1 N O V E M B E R 1 9 2 4
the relative phases of the vibrations of the instrument’s various parts, since the
transmission to the air depends on this, of course. Thus, I am firmly convinced that
the solution to this problem is practically impossible on the basis of scientific anal-
ysis, even though in principle the processes taking place proceed according to well-
known laws. I am persuaded that the design of good instruments will always have
to remain a craft for sensitive empiricists.
In great respect,
370. From Heike Kamerlingh Onnes
13 November 1924
[Not selected for translation.]
371. To Hans Albert and Eduard Einstein
[Berlin, before 17 November
1924][1]
Dear children,
Even though I don’t write you much, I think of you all the more often. Your long
letter delighted me. You, dear Albert, have become a technician, heart and soul. In
the summer let’s be in Kiel together as long as possible, and I suggest that we not
go to Lautrach at all. Time is only lost then, and so much socializing is truly horri-
fying for me. I’ll break it gently to Mr.
Anschütz.[2]
It would also be good if you,
dear Albert, would write him that you want to use the vacation to study diligently.
Then he’ll even be pleased about our stubbornness. I’ll also get much more from
Tete in Kiel. I’m so curious to visit you in your new home. But I can only travel
when I have to leave anyway for Paris or Geneva. That was already the plan but had
to be postponed. On March 5 my ship sails from
Hamburg,[3]
thus again no oppor-
tunity.
I liked the story about the class newspaper very much; that’s a brilliant exercise
for such boys, better even than school, because it’s self-motivated. The Schwarzs
enjoyed seeing you very much. They were on the
Rigi[4]
and were completely en-
thralled. I’m glad that you also liked Saint
Joan[5]
so much. I was so enchanted that
I wrote to
Shaw[6]
and received a humorous reply. Scientifically, I found a few in-
teresting things, which I’ll tell you about later, but nothing tangible has come out
of the terrestriall magnetism and terrestrial electricity affair until
now.[7]
Heartfelt regards from your
Papa.