![EINSTEIN, Albert (1879-1955). Autograph letter signed ('Albert') to his first wife, Mileva, n.p., n.d. [c.1930], one page, 4to. Provenance: Mileva Einstein-Maric; and by descent.](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2008/CKS/2008_CKS_07548_0072_000(044046).jpg?w=1)
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EINSTEIN, Albert (1879-1955). Autograph letter signed ('Albert') to his first wife, Mileva, n.p., n.d. [c.1930], one page, 4to. Provenance: Mileva Einstein-Maric; and by descent.
Einstein is much looking forward to seeing his younger son, Eduard ('Tetel'), and will ensure that he will have a quiet and agreeable time. Professor Maier wrote that Tetel is to take a second class sleeping car -- 'ich beuge mich der hohen Wissenschaft und denke es wird nicht viel schaden [I bow to high science and think it will do no harm]'. He observes that 'the lives of ordinary people with prescribed activities and daily routines are better for their nerves than the lives of the rich lazy classes', remarking on the debilitating nervous effect of indolence. He then makes a bitter remark on the prospect of his son Hans Albert and daughter-in-law Frieda having a child: 'Es ist mir arg, dass die in Dortmund nun doch ein Kind bekommen. Dies Verhängniss wird eben seinen Lauf gehen, so tragisch es ist [I am sorry to hear that those in Dortmund are to have a child. This destiny must run its course, as tragic as it is]'. A postscript notes that a graphologist had been able to detect from Mileva's handwriting that she suffered from back pain: 'Quite a feat!'.
Einstein was convinced that his daughter-in-law Frieda had bad heredity, and in conjunction with what he considered equally bad genes inherited by his son from Mileva's side, he prophesied disaster if the couple were to have children. Their first son, Bernhard, was born later in 1930.
Einstein is much looking forward to seeing his younger son, Eduard ('Tetel'), and will ensure that he will have a quiet and agreeable time. Professor Maier wrote that Tetel is to take a second class sleeping car -- 'ich beuge mich der hohen Wissenschaft und denke es wird nicht viel schaden [I bow to high science and think it will do no harm]'. He observes that 'the lives of ordinary people with prescribed activities and daily routines are better for their nerves than the lives of the rich lazy classes', remarking on the debilitating nervous effect of indolence. He then makes a bitter remark on the prospect of his son Hans Albert and daughter-in-law Frieda having a child: 'Es ist mir arg, dass die in Dortmund nun doch ein Kind bekommen. Dies Verhängniss wird eben seinen Lauf gehen, so tragisch es ist [I am sorry to hear that those in Dortmund are to have a child. This destiny must run its course, as tragic as it is]'. A postscript notes that a graphologist had been able to detect from Mileva's handwriting that she suffered from back pain: 'Quite a feat!'.
Einstein was convinced that his daughter-in-law Frieda had bad heredity, and in conjunction with what he considered equally bad genes inherited by his son from Mileva's side, he prophesied disaster if the couple were to have children. Their first son, Bernhard, was born later in 1930.
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