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EpiloguiI saw Einstein for the last time in December 1954.
As he had not been well, he had for some weeks been absent from the Institute,
where he normally spent a few hours each morning. Since I was about to take a
term's leave from Princeton, I called Helen Dukas and asked her to be kind
enough to give my best wishes to Professor Einstein. She suggested I come to the
house for a brief visit and a cup of tea. I was, of course, glad to accept. After I
arrived, I went upstairs and knocked at the door of Einstein's study. There was
his gentle 'Come.' As I entered, he was seated in his arm chair, a blanket over his
knees, a pad on the blanket. He was working. He put his pad aside at once and
greeted me. We spent a pleasant half hour or so; I do not recall what was dis-
cussed. Then I told him I should not stay any longer. We shook hands, and I said
goodbye. I walked to the door of the study, not more than four or five steps away.
I turned around as I opened the door. I saw him in his chair, his pad back on his
lap, a pencil in his hand, oblivious to his surroundings.
He was back at work.