Albert Einstein Handwritten Mathematical Equations - PSA/DNA

Sold For:

$8,100

Year:

1930

Auction:

2019 Summer

Lot #:

2613

Category:

Historical/Political/Pop Culture/Americana

Single sheet of unlined paper bearing a series of mathematical equations and a few sentences penned in the hand of Albert Einstein (1879-1955), noted theoretical physicist and developer of the Theory of Relativity. For Babe Ruth collectors, the ideal item might be a bat or a ball, the tools of the baseball trade. For Einstein collectors it is a handwritten mathematical equation. Mathematics is the working tool of the physicist’s trade and allows him to conceive, make sense of, capture and express complex natural laws that describe and define the universe. Few examples of Einstein’s handwritten equations are found in private hands today, as most of his scientific writings are housed in the permanent collections of a few select museums and institutions. Offered here is one rare exception. The mathematical equations printed on this undated sheet are beyond our understanding, but they might be related to his Theory of Relativity because a sentence under the first set of equations reads "and - changing the origins of time and the unity of p (π =p/r)." One set of equations bears a large "X" through it, indicating that he possibly made an error in his calculations. It is not known if the equations on this page represent the solution to a single problem or are instead part of a larger mathematical analysis that once included a number of additional pages. Either way, it provides a unique glimpse into the thoughts of one of the greatest scientific minds of the 20th century. The sheet (8.25 x 11 inches), which is unevenly toned, displays one horizontal and two vertical folds, as well as eight small pieces of vintage tape affixed along the border areas. A number of staple holes run along the right border, and the bottom edge has a slight trim. In Very Good condition overall. Full LOA from PSA/DNA. Reserve $1,000. Estimate (open).