Albert Einstein is - to put it mildly - a bit of a ledge so science fans will be interested to note that a handwritten essay by the granddaddy of modern physics is being flogged by Boston-based RR Auction.

The auction house, which specializes in historical documents and autographs, says that the six-page essay is unsigned and undated, but is believed to have been written around 1947-48 in Einstein's native German.

It forms the draft for "The Essence of the Theory of Relativity," an article that would go on to be published in English as part of volume XVI of The American Peoples Encyclopedia in 1948.

The special and general theories of relativity are discussed within, and the manuscript includes several equations and graph sketches. The introduction, translated, reads:

"Einstein also pens several equations in ink and pencil on the reverse of the fourth page. In fine condition, with a minor rust mark to the first page," RR Auctions says. The spindly scrawls are nigh-on indecipherable to this pathetic monoglot, but the manuscript does come with a full English translation.

The institution or private collector that bids for the essay will need deep pockets, however, as it is estimated to be worth more than $350,000. The auction will end on April 11 and after seven bids currently stands at an already handsome $93,500.

RR Auctions says that at the time of the essay's writing, nuclear physics were under public scrutiny following the advent of the atomic bomb. Thorough explanations for the layman at this point in history didn't really exist so this is Einstein's attempt to simplify his works for publication in a popular encyclopedia.

"Einstein begins by offering a simplified discussion of his theories before launching into an increasingly technical explanation," the auction house says. "A significant scientific manuscript by Albert Einstein, discussing the history, meaning, and influence of his theory of relativity."

In other news from RR Auction, a 46-year-old check signed by none other than infamous Apple asshole Steve Jobs is going under the hammer. Items even tangentially related to Jobs can fetch a pretty penny thanks to his undying and deluded cult, and this one is no different, with an estimated value of $250,000. The check is actually made out for $175.00 to a Palo Alto management consulting firm - inflation in action, people.

But if it does happen to sell for more than Einstein's ruminations, well, here's another little equation: faith in humanity = dead. ®

https://www.theregister.com//2023/05/03/einstein_essay_auction/