Description:

Hendrik Lorentz
Leiden, Netherlands, January 15, 1909
Hendrik Lorentz 5pp ALS to Columbia Physics Professor on "The Theory of Electrons" 1909 Publication
ALS

Historically significant autographed letter from Dutch physicist Hendrik Lorentz, signed "H. A. Lorentz", and addressed to Columbia professor William Hallock. 5 1/4pp, 4.5" x 7", Leiden, Netherlands, January 15, 1909. Written on six sides of two folded sheets, Lorentz discusses in detail the proofs and future distribution of his upcoming publication 'The Theory of Electrons', as well as references several notable physicists. Exhibits light age toning and letter creasing throughout, with closed tear present to lower left fold of second page. Otherwise, near fine.

In part:

"I fear you will have become very impatient about the publication of my lectures, which indeed has suffered a delay for which I am very sorry… My ordinary work has taken up so much of my time that there have been many months during which I could scarcely occupy myself with Teubner's proofs. In the course of this winter, however, I have been able to return to the work, and I am glad to say that it is finished now, and that the publisher can have the book ready in a few weeks… I have asked Mr. Teubner to send you a proof of the title-page and the preface; you will receive them probably in a few days and will oblige me very much by returning them to me (please not to him) with your remarks, at your earliest convenience.

In the preface I have expressed my thanks for the pains that have been taken with the reading of part of the proofs. Now, I should be glad to known whether anybody but you and Dr. Wills have had a share in this work and whether I have given Mr. Wills his due title by speaking of Dr. A. P. Wills of Columbia University… As for the title, I have chosen: 'The theory of electrons etc., a course of lectures delivered in C. U., New York in March and April 1906, by H. A. L., professor in the U. of Leiden.'… Allow me one question more. I shall receive a rather small number of separate copies for my private distribution. May I reserve these for my European scientific friends, trusting to you for a distribution among the physicists of your and perhaps some other American universities?

While writing to you, the remembrance comes back to me of the pleasant time I passed in your country… During that lapse of time, we had the pleasure of seeing here some of the physicists from over the Atlantic. Professor Ames and Dr. Rosa visited us and I always hope you and other gentlemen of Columbia will come and see Holland. Twice I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Pegram and some time ago, when, during a visit to Cambridge, I attended a lecture of Professor J. J. Thomson, I was especially surprised by having a seat next to Mr. Webb whom I found in good health and enjoying the Cavendish laboratory. I shall be very happy that you… and the members of the Department of Physics are in the same condition."

Hendrik Lorentz (1853-1928) was a Dutch theoretical physicist who shared the 1902 Nobel Prize in Physics with Pieter Zeeman for their research "into the influence of magnetism upon radiation phenomena", known as the Zeeman Effect. He is perhaps best remembered, however, for his formulation on the so-called "Lorentz transformation", which provided a basis for the restricted theory of relativity. Indeed, Lorentz's achievements quickly became widespread throughout Europe, paving the way for future advances by younger colleagues such as Einstein, Bohr, and Planck.

William Hallock (1857-1913) was dean of the faculty of pure science at Columbia from 1906 to 1909, during which time he published numerous articles on the subjects of physics and astrophysics. Also referenced by Lorentz in this letter include Joseph S. Ames (1864-1943), professor at John Hopkins and later chairman of the National Advisory Committee on Aeronautics; Edward Bennet Rosa (1861-1921) of Wesleyan; George B. Pegram (1876-1958), dean of Columbia's chemistry department who later arranged the first meeting between Enrico Fermi and the U.S. government; and Sir Joseph John Thomson (1856-1940), whose research helped discover the electron and was later awarded the 1906 Nobel Prize in physics.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!

  • Dimensions: 4.5" x 7"
  • Medium: ALS

Accepted Forms of Payment:

ACH, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Unless otherwise indicated, we do our own in-house world-wide shipping!

Applicable shipping and handling charges will be added to the invoice. We offer several shipping options, and remain one of the few auction houses that proudly provides professional in-house shipping as an option to our clients. All items will ship with a signature required option, and full insurance. Most items are sent via Federal Express, with P. O. Box addresses being sent through USPS. We insure through Berkley Asset Protection with rates of $.70 per $100 of value, among the lowest insurance rates in the industry. Our shipping department cameras document every package, both outgoing and incoming, for maximum security. In addition, we compare our shipping and handling rates against those of other auction houses, to ensure that our charges are among the lowest in the trade.

Upon winning your item(s), you will receive an invoice with our in-house shipping and handling fees included. ***We will ship to the address as it appears on your invoice. If any changes to the shipping address need to be made, you must inform us immediately.***

International shipments: In order to comply with our insurance provider, all international shipments will be sent via Fed Ex and customs paperwork will show a value of $1.00. International buyers should contact our office directly with any questions regarding this policy.

Third-Party Shipping Option: If a third-party shipper is preferred, the buyer is responsible for contacting them directly to make shipping arrangements. For your convenience, we have provided some recommended shippers. For your protection, we will require a signed release from you, confirming your authorization for us to release your lots to your specified third-party. At that point, our responsibility and insurance coverage for your item(s) ceases. Items picked up by third-party shippers are required to pay Connecticut sales tax. Items requiring third-party shipping due to being oversized, fragile or bulky will be denoted in the item description.

Please see our full terms and conditions for names of suggested third-party shippers.

After payment has been made in full, University Archives will ship your purchase within 10 business days following receipt of full payment for item.

Please remember that the buyer is responsible for all shipping costs from University Archives' offices in Wilton, CT to the buyer's door. Please see full Terms and Conditions of Sale.

November 19, 2025 10:00 AM EST
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000