History of Science & Technology, Including the Life and Letters of Richard P. Feynman, and Space Exploration
History of Science & Technology, Including the Life and Letters of Richard P. Feynman, and Space Exploration
Property from the Family of Dr. Joan Feynman
Feynman, Melville
Autograph Letter Signed (“Dad”), to Lucille, Richard, and Joan Feynman, Written Facing Possibility of Death, 1938
Lot Closed
December 13, 08:10 PM GMT
Estimate
3,000 - 5,000 USD
Lot Details
Description
FEYNMAN, MELVILLE
Autograph letter signed ("Dad"), to Lucille, Richard, and Joan Feynman, Aug. 17, 1938.
8 pages on 4 sheets (5 15/16 x 6 15/16 in.). In pencil on personal letterhead of Lucille Feynman. One horizontal crease where previously folded. Slight staining to final page.
In this soul-bearing letter to Lucille, Richard, and Joan Feynman written shortly before an operation in which there was a possibility he would not survive, Melville Feynman tells his family how much he loves them, in essence providing his "final words" in case of an untimely death.
Melville entreats his son Richard to appreciate his mother's efforts to raise him, and to repay them with "love, attention and protection all her life." Significantly, Melville tells Richard that his education has drained the family's financial resources, and that this has taken away from what Joan is rightly due. In addition, he also makes a probably oblique reference to Richard's relationship with Arline, telling Richard, "Do not get yourself tied into anything that will interfere with your future."
Melville Feynman's letter, dated "Aug 17, 1938" reads, in part:
"Lucille - Richard - Joan -
I am writing this in a hurry before going to the hospital. Of course we have every hope that this operation will be successful - and I am sure it will be. However, at times, they turn out badly - and in that event you will come across this note in my papers.
[...]
Whatever I have I leave to you Lucille - for I know you will take care of, and provide for our children at all times.
[...]
Lu - I know you will see Richard through college - and Richard - I know you will appreciate what your mother is doing for you and you will see that she is repaid by love, attention and protection all her life. Richard - you have always been a sweet son and I am sure you have always loved us. Continue to do so. Do not get yourself tied into anything that will interfere with your future. You also have a definite obligation to Joan which I want you to fulfill. As you know the expenses of your education was much greater than our means allowed - an in order to meet them we have had to drain our resources and take away from Joan some that is rightfully hers. I am not trying to put a debt on you, but I want you to know the truth and to rectify any inequalities."