The Scientist Enjoys a Good Smoke during his First Trip to America - Autograph Note with Rare Full Signature

Autograph note from the German-born physicist, humanitarian and Nobel Prize winner, promulgator of the general and special theories of relativity.  1 page, oblong 12mo. In German, translated "Warmest thanks for the special tobacco and your kind letter. Albert Einstein, New York 21.'"

On April 3, 1921, Einstein arrived in New York City at the invitation fo Chaim Weizmann, the Russian-born, Israeli-British chemist and Zionist leader. Weizmann hoped to use Einstein's celebrity to raise funds and American support for a Jewish university in Palestine.  Much to Einstein's dismay, the reserved scientist was treated as a celebrity upon his arrival.  Crowds lined the streets to cheer him and Weizmann; he was given the key to the city and reporters plagued him with endless questions. Einstein did not yet speak any English and both the language barrier and the complexity of the scientific theories for which he had become famous prevented him from providing the kind of quotes reporters sought.  "It was, in effect, a dual language barrier, and reporters would very quickly move to Einstein's thoughts on American culture.  He marveled that women here dressed 'like countesses,' even though they might be coat check girls. He condemned Prohibition and appeared thunderstruck at the notion of banning tobacco," ("Einstein's 'Horrendously Strenuous' First U.S. Visit," Mental Floss, Rossen).  In fact, Einstein credited smoking his pipe with his ability to think deeply, stating that it calmed his mind.  Even in later years, when his doctor insisted he give up tobacco, he often put a pipe in his mouth and chewed it in contemplation. One of the most popular objects on display in the Smithsonian is Einstein's brier pipe.

It is likely that the news reports of Einstein's disappointments at America's anti-tobacco views or just the knowledge of his fondness for smoking, led to Einstein's pithy response to the recipient's gift.   Einstein departed New York at the end of May. 

Framed with a picture of Einstein smoking a long-stemmed pipe and generally in fine condition, with a smudge near, but not touching Einstein's name. Not examined out of the frame.  A rare note penned during his first trip to America and signed in full, rather than in the much more common manner of using only the initial of his first name.   (17303)

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Science & Technology

Signature

Autograph Letter

History & Historiography

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