Einstein, Albert

Important group of four typed letters signed ("A. Einstein"), in German and English, each one page (11 x 8 1/2 in.; 278 x 215 mm), Princeton, 20 January 1947 to 9 August 1948, on Einstein's personalized embossed stationery, to Jacob and Ida Landau—accompanied by a carbon copy of Jacob Landau's initial letter to Einstein which triggered the correspondence and six typed letters signed by Helen Dukas, secretary to Albert Einstein; marginal fraying and  light browning to the entire correspondence.

Important group of four typed letters signed ("A. Einstein"), in German and English, each one page (11 x 8 1/2 in.; 278 x 215 mm), Princeton, 20 January 1947 to 9 August 1948, on Einstein's personalized embossed stationery, to Jacob and Ida Landau—accompanied by a carbon copy of Jacob Landau's initial letter to Einstein which triggered the correspondence and six typed letters signed by Helen Dukas, secretary to Albert Einstein; marginal fraying and light browning to the entire correspondence.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

Einstein on urging fellow scientists to consider the ethical implications of their work.

Founder of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency and its managing director until his retirement, Jacob Landau wrote to Einstein on 15 January 1947  for his viewpoint on  a particularly sensitive subject. Landau encloses a clipping from the Herald Tribune reporting a statement made by Professor Norbert Weiner of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology urging scientists to consider the ethical implications of their work. On behalf of the JTA, Landau reaches out to Einstein: "May we ask your what your reaction is towards the attitude adopted by Dr. Weiner . . . we would be greatly obliged to you if you cared to outline your viewpoint. Landau proceeds to ask five questions  on the subject. Just five days later, Einstein writes back to Landau: "I greatly approve and admire the attitude of Professor Weiner and I believe that a similar attitude of all the prominent scientists in this country with regard to the matter would be very advantageous to the solution of the urgent problem of international security" He notes he has tried to give short answers to Landau's five questions in the enclosure, explaining: "I am writing it in German because it is easier for me." In a postscript, Einstein asks to see the English translation of his enclosed remarks prior to any publication of them. At the foot of the letter, Landau writes in pencil: "Send statement upstairs  for translation. JL." Einstein's five points are powerful: "(1) Non-cooperation in military matters should be a vital part of the moral code of basic scientists . . . (2) There must not be blind submission to the law of the state. Moral law is above any obligation to the state . . .(3) Development of science  sprang from a lust for knowledge and almost not at all from the pursuit of practical aims. if scientific development is submitted to practical aims, true science stagnates. (4) The community has every interest in furthering science through material aid. However, it must not interfere in research . . . (5) Any order to keep a scientific discovery . . . secret, would seriously harm science, and thus harm the development of the country . . . A state which gives such orders is, in addition, a real saboteur of the spiritual development of mankind." Einstein signs the enclosure with the five  points and Landau writes at the head of he enclosure in pencil: "Please translate most carefully—Thank you—JL"

Subsequent letters in the correspondence from Helen Dukas from 29 January 1947 to 17 September 1947 include small changes to the English translation of Einstein's five points, a general press statement for Einstein concerning Professor Schroedinger's new theory, and arrangements for Einstein meet the Palestinian Soccer Team. Einstein sends get well wishes to Jacob Landau in his letter of 5 September 1947. The last letter in the correspondence of 9 August 1948 relates to a book by Mr. Cuneo he has not studied thoroughly. He explains: "Trying to draw a closer analogy between physical and sociological-political concepts, has always proven to be ineffective, so unfortunately I cannot raise hopes that this case is any better. I would not discourage the author, but it is against my conviction to encourage the cultivation of false analogies."