Eminent 20th century scientists
Autograph inscription signed.
4to. 6 lines on 1 page. Together with other autographs (see below). Stored in sleeves in a contemporary black binder.
€ 4,000.00
A small but fine collection of autographs by eminent 20th century scientists, assembled by the Chinese mathematician Shih Wei-Shu (1931-98), a member of Princeton's Institute for Advanced Study who worked on topology and partial differential equations.
The first item is inscribed by J. Robert Oppenheimer, the "father of the atomic bomb": "To W. Shih, with respect, admiration and profound good wishes".
Further signatures include:
Maclane, Saunders, American mathematician (1909-2005). Autograph inscription signed. N. p. o. d. 4to. 6 lines on 1 page. "To my good friend Weishu Shih, in appreciation of his many stimulating ideas, in topology, in homological algebra, and in categories, and with my very best wishes for the success of his work in the future".
Mehrotra, Harish-Chandra, Indian-American mathematician and physicist (1923-1983). Autograph inscription signed. N. p., 25 Feb. 1962. 4to. 3 lines on 1 page. "Wishing you all good luck".
Morse, Marston, American mathematician (1892-1977). Typed letter signed. N. p., 12 March 1964. 4to. ½ page. "Dear Dr Shih, It was a good fortune to come to know you recently. Your broad interest in mathematics includes subjects as diverse as differential geometry, topology and celestial mechanics. I hope that we may be able to work together sometime in the future. Whether or not you are my assistant this will be an honor and an inspiration".
Weil, André, French mathematician (1906-98). Autograph inscription signed. Princeton, 3 March 1964. 4to. 1 page. "'Les mathématiques sont comme le cochon, tout en est bon' (Lagrange). À M. Shih Wei-Shu en témoignage de mes sentiments cordiaux".
Milnor, John Willard, American mathematician (b. 1931). Signature. 4to.
