the accumulator. If the temperature difference is still there, it cannot
be due to the warmth from the ceiling. This is true. I had measured with
both thermometers above the table for months, and the temperature
difference was always there.
But this experiment is still not pure, because the ceiling of the room
is still there. Thus we have the possibility
b) to arrange the experiment in such a way, and to measure the
temperature above the accumulator in such a way that no ceiling inter
feres. In February, for two whole days, I put an accumulator into the
soil in the open air. The ceiling was eliminated-and thus also the
argument of the assistant. I measured the temperature of the air
above the accumulator, in the surrounding earth and in the air. Not only
was the phenomenon still present, but more: In the closed room the
temperature difference, as confirmed by Einstein, was several deci
degrees-3-6 or 7 on an average. In the open, the difference climbed
up to 10 degrees and more in the sunshine, and 20 deci-degrees i.e.,
2 degrees, in shade and cold. The ceiling was not there anymore, but
the fact of the temperature difference was still there. So these physicists
had not thought, after having confirmed the fact, to control their own
objections, whereas for more than two years now I have eliminated the
ceiling and have still been able to demonstrate the fact. I wrote the
whole story to Einstein, feeling uneasy about this great physicist not
having thought of the simple measure, namely to control the fact in the
open air himself. Einstein did not answer to this clear-cut elimination
of the objection.
In the beginning, Einstein's whole procedure was correct, but when
I had eliminated the objection it was not understandable. I can only
assume that some crookish friend of mine from Vienna had, through
the rumours put into the world about me, destroyed this great chance.
We all had the impression that Einstein wished to wait, and not expose
himself.
This experience shattered my confidence not only in practical knowl
edge but also in the ability of physicists to think, act and behave
correctly where "bombs" in physics are concerned. Einstein and I
agreed that this one phenomenon, especially in connection with many
others, could not only shatter a great many concepts of physics but that,
in addition, it would also lay open a great many black spots in astro
nomical and physical science to correct answers. So they sit there