48 - EINSTEIN, Albert (1879–1955).

EINSTEIN, Albert (1879–1955). Autograph letter signed “Einstein,” [Berlin], February 13, 1925, to Hermann ANSCHÜTZ; ¾ page, in-4; in German. [Hermann ANSCHÜTZ-KAEMPFE (1872–1931), an engineer and industrialist based in Kiel, invented and manufactured the gyrocompass; during a 1914 lawsuit concerning the patent for his invention, Einstein was appointed as arbitrator. This marked the beginning of a deep friendship; Einstein enjoyed visiting Anschütz in Kiel during the summer holidays and going sailing.] Einstein thanks Anschütz for his latest letter; it filled him with great nostalgia for his friend and for Kiel. But he is tied up with his course and must honor his commitment; a well-bred bird must sing for the one who feeds it. He must go to Argentina, but is hardly thrilled at the thought of meeting half-civilized Indians there, dressed in tuxedos; he will return at the end of May. Both the older and younger Einsteins dream of coming to Kiel as soon as the vacation begins… Finally, he asks for news of the new gyrocompass and looks forward to its success. He knows how much work and dedication Anschütz has put into it, and how his intuition has always guided him in the right direction… “I’ve felt a deep longing for you and Kiel—partly in the past, and partly still now. But my colleague has me firmly tied down, and I had to stick to it because I was expressly asked to do so. I must sing a little song for the one who feeds me, like a proper little bird. On the 5th, I’m off to Argentina. Long live the water, but I’m not looking forward to the semi-civilized Indians there in tuxedos. I’ll be back at the end of May. Old Einstein and the young Einsteins have a modest wish, namely to come to Kiel right at the start of vacation […] Has the less stable gyroscope proven itself after all? I’m looking forward to the success your gyroscope will have. I know how much work and dedication you’ve put into it and how you’ve always kept your nose on the right track”…