A handwritten manuscript written in full by Albert Einstein in 1922. This was Einstein’s very first paper published after he received the Nobel Prize on December 10, 1922. In this manuscript, Einstein incorporates a variant of his 1915 The General Theory of Relativity.

The manuscript was presented on November 23 1922 by Albert Einstein and was later published on December 21 1922 by the Royal Prussian Academy of Sciences (German: Königlich-Preußische Akademie der Wissenschaften). Max von Laue, a German physicist who won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1914 for his discovery of the diffraction of X-rays by crystals, became a corresponding member of the Royal Prussian Academy of Sciences in 1919. 

There are many attributes that make this manuscript truly important and remarkable. The very significant scientific content and the enormously noteworthy date within the context of Einstein’s career make this item stands out from all other incredible Einstein manuscripts. Arguably, this is the most important Einstein paper in existence. In fine condition; folded, both horizontal and vertical, with some separation along the folds of the horizontal fold on the first page; impression of a paperclip mark in the upper left corner of both pages; overall scattered staining.

Provenance: Albert Einstein, 1922; Max von Laue, Royal Prussian Academy of Sciences, 1922–1948; Alexander Dingas, 1948–1964; G. Schrupf, 1964–1980s; Private collection, Germany, 1980s–2016. Letter of provenance by Dingas, dated April 12, 1964, in part (translated): ”Einstein – Manuscript, given by Mr. v. Laue, 1948 in Gottingen, Alex. Dingas. For Miss G. Schrupf. To be used in any way, possibly even for sale”. Letter of authenticity from Universal Archives/John Reznikoff. Letter of authenticity from Alexander Bitar History.

Donated to: The Nobel Museum, Stockholm.

Funded by: Mr. Per Taube, 2019.