D O C U M E N T S 2 1 , 2 2 A P R I L – M A Y 1 9 2 3 2 7
21. To Elsa Einstein
[Kiel,] 28 April 1923
Dear Else,
Many thanks for
Margot’s[1]
card and your long letter. I’m sorry that you had yet
another
relapse.[2]
Take good care of yourself and relax completely, inside and out.
You have nothing to lose, you know. I’m probably traveling to Leyden Monday
evening—alas.[3]
Anschütz did me an invaluable thing by buying me furnishings
here instead of giving me last year’s
salary.[4]
Working in this seclusion proves to
be just as pleasant as it is productive. This one week yielded enormous advances.
We also conducted an experimental analysis in the factory where, by the way, a
very nice and intelligent physicist called Glitscher is permanently
employed.[5]
Apart from one walk with Anschütz, I haven’t managed to leave indoors, and I
mostly work deep into the night. Because I am so entirely removed from normal
life, though, it strains me much less. I’ve become very deeply attached to Anschütz.
He is a very noble person and has in common with me that he passes for a
“Spartacist.”[6]
I also like his wife much better now; she is not at all superficial and
suits her husband very
well.[7]
I eat in the factory at noon, in the evening alone in
my room—a bit too well.
Now I have to write up a paper that is a great improvement over the one started
on the
ship.[8]
Warm greetings to you together with the children from your
Albert.
Regards to the grandparents.
22. From Hendrik A. Lorentz
Haarlem, 1 May 1923
Dear Colleague,
Because of your Japan voyage I unfortunately did not have the opportunity to
congratulate you in time on the Nobel
Prize.[1]
But do allow me to tell you now that
I was especially pleased that the Swedish Academy awarded this distinction to you.
Certainly, how could it have been better earned? All physicists who know how to
acknowledge your life’s work will pass a unanimous verdict on this.
The Nobel Prize affords not only honor but also has a material side; and I may
therefore surely express the hope that it will contribute toward easing your worries
of daily life.