Lot 327

Previous image preload Next image preload

Description:

Albert Einstein Remarkable Signed Manuscript Notes on Kaluza's Theory of Electricity

1p, measuring 8.5" x 11", no place, n.d. [Ca. 1938]. A scientific manuscript, written in German in Einstein's hand and signed "A. Einstein." An important working manuscript documenting Einstein's notes for a paper he co-authored with Peter Bergman, entitled "On a Generalization of Kaluza's Theory of Electricity." The paper was published in "Annals of Mathematics", volume 39, no. 3, in July 1938.

The manuscript reflects Einstein's attempts to construct a unified theory of electromagnetism, gravitation, and quantum mechanics based on a curved five-dimensional spacetime with spacetime coordinates x1, x2, x3, x4, and x0, along with four spatial coordinates. One of the spatial coordinates, x0, is periodic. Einstein's notes state that through every point it is assumed that there passes a closed geodesic given by x1, x2, x3, and x4 constant. The approach taken in this paper is sometimes referred to as "Projective Relativity" and is a type of unified theory pioneered by Theodor Kaluza and later by Oskar Klein in the 1920s. Kaluza was primarily a mathematician but studied relativity, and in April 1919, he noticed that when he sold Einstein's equations for general relativity using five dimensions, Maxwellian equations for electromagnetism emerged spontaneously. 

Although the final paper that appeared in "Annals of Mathematics" was written in English, correspondences in wording, equations used, and other editing notes used in this manuscript and in the section of the published article titled "The Space Structure" suggest that the two pieces are linked. The manuscript has flattened folds and edge toning. Minor staining on the front from mounting residue applied to the verso. Clear signature. Overall very fine.

Recently, a rare 54-page manuscript with Albert Einstein’s early scribblings on the general theory of relativity sold for over $13 million at Christie’s auction house in Paris. Only 29 of the pages included Einstein's writing averaging a value of approximately 450k per handwritten manuscript page. The document that sold at Christie's was unsigned, while this incredibly unique scientific manuscript is signed by the famed scientist.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!

Accepted Forms of Payment:

ACH, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Unless otherwise indicated, we do our own in-house worldwide shipping!

Applicable shipping and handling charges will be added to the invoice. We offer several shipping options, and remain one of the few auction houses who proudly provides professional in-house shipping as an option to our clients. All items will ship with signature required, and full insurance. Most items are sent via Federal Express, with P. O. Box addresses being sent through USPS. We insure through Berkley Asset Protection with rates of $.70 per $100 of value, among the lowest insurance rates in the industry. Our shipping department cameras document every package, both outgoing and incoming, for maximum security. In addition, we compare our shipping and handling rates against those of other auction houses, to ensure that our charges are among the lowest in the trade.

Upon winning your item(s), you will receive an invoice with our in-house shipping and handling fees included. ***We will ship to the address as it appears on your invoice. If any changes to the shipping address need to be made, you must inform us immediately.***

International shipments: In order to comply with our insurance provider, all international shipments will be sent via Fed Ex and customs paperwork will show a value of $1.00. International buyers should contact our office directly with any questions regarding this policy.

Third Party Shipping Option: If a third party shipper is preferred, the buyer is responsible for contacting them directly to make shipping arrangements. For your convenience, we have provided some recommended shippers. For your protection, we will require a signed release from you, confirming your authorization for us to release your lots to your specified third party Please copy and paste this following link into your browser: http://universityarchives.com/UserFiles/ShippingInfo.pdf. At that point, our responsibility and insurance coverage for your item(s) ceases. Items picked up by third party shippers are required to pay Connecticut sales tax. Items requiring third party shipping due to being oversized, fragile or bulky will be denoted in the item description.

Please see our full terms and conditions for names of suggested third party shippers.

After payment has been made in full, University Archives will ship your purchase within 10 business days following receipt of full payment for item.

Please remember that the buyer is responsible for all shipping costs from University Archives' offices in Wilton, CT to the buyer's door. Please see full Terms and Conditions of Sale.

January 6, 2022 10:30 AM EST
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000