Description:

Albert Einstein
n.p., ca. early 1940s
Scarce Einstein AM on Unified Field Theory, Over 180 Words + 11 Equations in His Hand! From His Published Article, "A Generalization of the Relativistic Theory of Gravitation"
AM

Albert Einstein (1879-1955). A 1p autograph manuscript, in German, written entirely in Einstein's hand, the original German draft for his published article, "A Generalization of the Relativistic Theory of Gravitation," one of the most important papers of his later years. Enumerated "(6)" at top right, measuring 8.5" x 11", no place, undated, but circa early 1940s. Einstein pens a remarkable eleven equations on the page. A working document, the manuscript has been significantly revised by Einstein with additions and deletions in some eight or nine places. Lightly toned with very minor handling wear. In fine condition. Please see next lot for page (7).

During the course of World War II, Einstein came to the conclusion that the General Theory of Relativity was the proper basis for the development of Unified Field Theory; and using this framework, he explored the implications of using new and complex forms of number within Unified Field Theory. The publication of this article marked the beginning of Einstein's final approach to Unified Field Theory, an approach which Einstein pursued until the end of his life.

"A Generalization of the Relativistic Theory of Gravitation," was originally written in German by Einstein and was subsequently translated into English for publication circa 1945 by Einstein's assistant, E. G. Straus. The original "Generalization" paper was a long one, so it was decided that it be published in two parts. The present leaf [page 6] derives from Part II, and its translated text can be found on pages 735-736 of the published article. The published translation appears to follow this original manuscript very closely and without alteration. In this section of his paper, Einstein is discussing the field equations for the Hamiltonian operator, which plays a central role in the equations of motion for General Relativity (and is defined in terms of the metric tensor and its conjugate momenta); and in this particular page of the paper, Einstein is here considering the implications of embracing a stronger form of the field equations.

Original autograph manuscripts of works actually published by Einstein are extremely scarce in private hands, in contradistinction to the many "unpublished" Unified Field Theory manuscripts that have been offered in the marketplace in past years. Indeed, individual autograph leaves from "A Generalization of the Relativistic Theory of Gravitation," such as the present manuscript leaf [and its companion, page 7, in the previous lot] may well be the only published Unified Field works of Einstein's later years that will ever appear for sale. As such, the offering of this leaf is both a rare opportunity and value.

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: 8.5" x 11"
  • Medium: AM

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