220
DOCS.
303,
304
NOVEMBER
1911
the
impression
that
something
special
exists
between the
two
of
them;
rather, I
found
all
three of them bound
by
a
pleasant
and
innocent
relationship. Also,
I
do
not
believe
that
Mme
Curie
is
power-hungry
or hungry
for
whatever.
She
is
an
unpretentious,
honest
person
with
more
than her
fill
of
responsibilities
and
burdens.
She
has
a
sparkling
intelligence,
but
despite
her
passionate
nature
she
is not
attractive
enough
to
represent
a
danger
to
anyone.
Perrin's determinations
are
much
better than
we thought.[6]
In
particular,
his
determination of the
particle
diameter
is
impeccable.[7]
H. A.
Lorentz
chaired the conference
with
incomparable
tact
and
unbelievable
virtuosity.
He
speaks
all
three
languages
equally well,
and his scientific
acuity
is unique.
I
largely
succeeded
in
convincing
Planck that
my
conception is
correct,
after
he has
struggled
against
it for
so many
years.[8]
He
is
a completely
honest
man
who shows
no
consideration
for himself.
I
was
also in Utrecht,
to
see
Julius.[9]
I told him
that
a
report
from
Zurich
quite
certainly
waits
for
me
at home,
but
I
was
wrong.
It
is not
right
that
promises
are
taken
so
lightly;
even
my
dear
Bohemians,
who
at
least
can
claim
that
no one expects
honesty
from
them,
are
not
much
worse.
And
now some
confidential
information,
which
you
must
keep
absolutely
secret.
If
I do
not
accept
the
appointment
at Utrecht,
then
Debije
will be
going
there-at least
he
will
surely get an
offer.[10]
Don't let
Debije
be
aware
that
you
know
about this! I know
from
my
own
experience
how
unpleasant
that
is.[11]
I
hope
that
your
wife has
completely
recovered
by
now,
and
is
rejoicing
in
her
little
girl.[12]
Both of
us
send
our
best
regards
to her,
and wish
her
good
health and
plenty
of
milk for the
baby.
We
send
you
our
cordial
greetings,
and
may you
soon
find
a
patient
in
my vicinity
so
that
we may
soon
meet
again.
Your
Einstein
Give
my
best
regards
to
Heller.[13]
See to it
that Forrer
answers
at
long last.[14]
I
cannot
let the
Utrecht
people
wait
so
long
(Poor Zangger,
the
"editor
responsible,"
who
in fact
is
not
responsible
for the
delay!
This
is
how it
is;
let
a
person
once
prove
his
helpfulness,
and the
next
time
it's considered
his
bloody duty
&
obligation
...)
304. To Willem
Julius
Prague,
15
November
1911
Highly
esteemed
Colleague:
First of
all,
my
sincere thanks
for
the
exceedingly
kind welcome
that
you
and
your
esteemed
family
extended
to
me
in Utrecht.[1] I felt
as
comfortable
in
your
home
as
if
we
had been
old
friends.[2]
These
pleasant personal experiences
have
made
my
decision
to
stay
here
quite difficult; neverthless,
I have
now
made
up
my
mind.
Imagine yourself
in
my
position here![3]
I have
a
spacious
institute
and
a
splendid
library,[4]
and
no
need