2 4 8 D O C . 2 9 7 F E B R U A R Y 1 9 2 0 In choosing Epstein, the University of Zurich’s problem would not yet be solved, though. Epstein is a teacher for advanced students, a leader for young people in- tending to work theoretically, but not a teacher for beginners. There is a definite need for another instructor besides him for the introductory courses. For this task, as far as I can judge, among the other three only Mr. Ratnowsky comes into ques- tion, since the other two gentlemen have not yet qualified themselves sufficiently as theoretical physicists and specifically as teachers of theoretical physics.[4] About Ratnowsky, I know that he has achieved much under the most difficult circumstan- ces as a university teacher and did valuable work for the university for years on end.[5] Added to that, he is a genuine investigator type who under less adverse cir- cumstances would surely have brought to fruition scientific achievements of endur- ing worth.[6] Surely I am not mistaken if I attribute to him a considerable creative share in the important analysis on the mechanics of the electron initially put into practice jointly with Mr. Guye in Geneva.[7] I would like to urge you most warmly to support Mr. Ratnowsky with the greatest enthusiasm he truly deserves it. With cordial greetings, yours, A. Einstein. 297. From Robert W. Lawson The Physics Laboratory, The University, Sheffield. 2 February 1920 Esteemed Professor, I acknowledge receipt of your k[ind] letter of January 22nd with many thanks.[1] The copy of the statutes of “Clarté” interested me very much.[2] Over here, as far as I can make out, no one has heard of it yet. I am very glad that the Nature article is almost finished. Even if it should be pub- lished in Nature, and there is no doubt about that,[3] it might perhaps not be a bad thing if we had it appear additionally in the form of a brochure with a local pub- lisher. This could, obviously, only be done if it were certain that the success of Vieweg’s book were not affected.[4] I hence asked my publisher for his opinion on the matter. Methuen writes me—“perhaps you might consider whether it would not be pos- sible to obtain the translation rights for other books by Prof. Einstein. I imagine he has written many articles, which could perhaps be compiled and published in the form of a book.” I shall scarcely be able to get to other translations before summer however, I would like to hear your view re[garding] your book The Foundations of General Relativity.[5] Could you perhaps inform me also about the issue of your ex- isting articles? You have probably already received my letter of 25 Jan. and thus learned of the contract with Methuen.[6] A couple of days later your letter arrived in which you