49 - EINSTEIN, Albert (1879–1955).

EINSTEIN, Albert (1879–1955). 2 letters signed “A. Einstein,” Old Lyme (Conn.), June 18 and July 7, 1935, to Mark E. RIDGE in Dorchester (Mass.); 1 page, in-4 size each, on his letterhead; the first in English, the second in German. Letters to a young aeronaut. Note: Mark E. RIDGE was a curious young man who, in 1934, had a plan to fly into the stratosphere in a hot-air balloon, using a special suit designed to maintain the body at a constant atmospheric pressure. June 18. He finds this idea of stratospheric flight interesting (“your technical method for stratospheric flight seems interesting indeed”), but he lacks the technical expertise to evaluate it and therefore to assist him. He offered to send Ridge the plans and notes regarding this project so that he could support him and help him find scientists interested in the experiment… July 7. He has studied Ridge’s response with great interest and believes that the project is bound to succeed and that it allows for a considerable simplification of the equipment compared to that of Auguste PICCARD (“that the plan promises success and allows for a significant simplification of the apparatus compared to Piccard’s”). The scientific value of carrying out the project is beyond doubt. However, he is completely opposed, on principle, to recommending individuals for financial contributions. He does not have the connections that would allow him to judge which individuals might be interested and likely to succeed. It is therefore up to Ridge to take these steps himself. However, Einstein authorizes him to state that he is absolutely convinced of the feasibility and desirability of such test flights (“that I am thoroughly convinced of the feasibility and desirability of such test flights”), which he is prepared to confirm in writing