By D. Maan, Jadetimes News
Einstein's Letter Urging US Atomic Development to be Auctioned
A letter penned by Albert Einstein urging the United States to embark on its own nuclear weapons program is set to be auctioned. Written to President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1939, the letter cautions about the potential for Nazi Germany to develop atomic weapons and recommends that the US initiate its own atomic research.
Three years later, in 1942, the United States launched the Manhattan Project, resulting in the development of the first atomic bombs, which were subsequently used against Japan in 1945.
The letter forms part of an auction featuring artifacts from the collection of Microsoft co founder Paul Allen, who passed away in 2018 at the age of 65.
Gates Commemorates Paul Allen as Computing Pioneer
Bill Gates, who co founded Microsoft with Mr. Allen, praised his contributions, stating, "Personal computing would not have existed without him."
Mr. Allen's personal collection is set to be auctioned at Christie's in New York this September. The items on sale will reflect his deep interest in computing and his significant influence on the field. However, the Einstein letter is expected to be the highlight of the auction.
This letter, valued between $4 million and $6 million (£3.2 million to £4.7 million), was originally drafted by Hungarian physicist Leo Szilard, with input from other scientists. It was signed by Einstein due to his renowned stature as one of history's foremost scientific figures, aiming to capture the attention of the president.
Insights into Paul Allen's Diverse Auction Collection
Dated 2 August 1939, just weeks before the outbreak of World War II, the letter warns of Germany's potential to develop nuclear weapons. It cautiously suggests the construction of "extremely powerful bombs of a new type."
Albert Einstein reportedly expressed regret later for his role in prompting the United States, at the time, to become the sole nuclear weapons producer. In 1947, he remarked, "Had I known that the Germans would not succeed in producing an atomic bomb, I would never have lifted a finger."
Also featured in the upcoming Christie's auction is a 1971 DEC PDP 10: KI 10 computer, restored with Mr. Allen's assistance. This model is akin to those he and Bill Gates worked on in the early days of Microsoft, pivotal in the early stages of internet development. The computer is anticipated to sell for between $30,000 and $50,000.
Additionally, an astronaut Ed White's spacesuit, worn during the first American spacewalk in 1965, is estimated to fetch between $80,000 and $120,000.
In 2022, Mr. Allen's art collection set a new auction record, raising over $1.5 billion. The collection featured works by prominent artists like Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, and Vincent Van Gogh. Proceeds from the auction were directed toward philanthropic causes, consistent with Mr. Allen's lifelong commitment to charitable giving, which exceeded $2 billion during his lifetime. He also made significant contributions to art and culture through museums and owned various American sports teams. At the time of his passing, Forbes estimated his net worth at over $20 billion.