D O C . 1 7 5 N O V E M B E R 1 9 1 9 1 4 9 to our university is such, that there can be no question, either materially or formally, of negligence of your Berlin office.—Just like one of our ex-ministers, you will “at the invitation of the Leyden University Fund”[10] operate for a few years as a “Bijzonder Hoogleeraar” (Specialprofessor) for our university (coming here 3–4 weeks annually on an assignment yet to be arranged in detail)—in a (borrowed) toga you will hold an inaugural lecture of 45–55 minutes and make a solemn prom- ise (not an oath), to fulfill your official duties loyally (according to the laws or something like that—an ancient formality). Otherwise, only physics will be expect- ed of you (Zeeman, Onnes, Julius, Ornstein, Zernike, Lorentz, Fokker, and the youngsters).[11] —If I am not mistaken, the honorarium will amount to 2000 guil- ders per year.—Please take note that I’m rushing to let you know that the business is in motion, but that my supersolid colleagues could take it amiss if I worried you before everything is absolutely settled. So don’t touch upon the matter in any even- tual letters, if you aren’t asked. [Planck obviously may know sooner, though, that we are preparing this business here—I hope he will immediately understand that we are not thinking of dragging you away—on the contrary, we respect all that completely.][12] —I must tell you that Onnes really is throwing his whole soul into this. I would be very happy if you found the time 1. to write the little article on Julius for the Naturwissensch[aften]. Check also how warmly even Pringsheim defends Julius in “Physik d. Sonne” [“Physics of the Sun”] [13] 2. to write a brief announcement about the two lectures (radiation th., quantum th.) by Lorentz.[14] These “Monday courses” really seem to me to be a unicum.[15] Foreign awareness would very much facilitate continuation of the edition, though.[16] — • — Zionism. You believe that I can help. I don’t think so. I lack the unquestioning faith. In all cases where Zionism makes itself heard in mass actions, I hear notes that scare me away [and] demoralize me. People like me are unfit for joining mass actions. However: If you pose me a sharply delineated technical problem, for which I could somehow have a specific qualification—perhaps then I’ll gain confidence while at work.—But I can only talk, not write, and certainly not perform.[17] Orn- stein (one of the leading Zionists for years in the country) heard via London that you spoke with me about it.[18] And now he is deeply offended that he could not speak with you about this business.—N.B. In all negotiations you must consider that I cannot leave Holland.[19] — • —