DOCS.
579,
580
JULY
1918 605
and calculations.
Recently
I
gave a
report
at
the
Academy
on
your
new
theory,
which
Planck finds
very
interesting.[2]
You
are a
genuine
calculation wizard.
This
is
revealed
very
particularly
in the
last
chapters
of
the
book
as well, e.g.,
in
the
treatment of
the static
incompressible
liquid,[3]
also in
the
execution of
the
variation
for
the
gravitational
field.[4]
I
am
curious
about
whether
you are going
to
remain
committed
to
your
ex-
planation
of
electromagnetism.[5]
Another comment
on
it: at all events
preferred
world lines do
exist,
the
trajectories
of
uncharged
bodies;
on
the other
hand,
geodesic
lines
exist,
also
according
to
your
theory.
Shouldn’t
both
of these
sorts
of
unique
world lines be identical? There
is
little doubt that
they
should.
Then,
according
to
your theory,
forces
that
are
proportional to
the
electromagnetic
po-
tentials
are
exerted
on
uncharged
bodies.[6]
You
ought
to
pursue
this
consequence
more
closely,
especially
since it
is
straightforward.
Cordial
regards, yours,
Einstein.
cur[rently]
at Mrs.
Niemann-Konow,[7] Ahrenshoop.
580. To Max Born
[Ahrenshoop,
after
3 July
1918][1]
Dear
Born,
This
faithful confession
by a
fair soul
born
on
stilts,
for
your
edification.*
How
sweet
it
is
to
die,........[2]
We
are
enjoying
ourselves
constantly
and
are
vegetating
like
true
good-for-
nothings.
To
a
happy
reunion.
Yours,
Einstein.
Show
it also
to Wertheimer![3]
*Erbauung also
meaning ‘delight.’
[2]Author’s
footnote: “To be
preserved
for
Philistine
posterity!”