ROBERT
GODDARD. Autograph Letter Signed to Mr. Hastings, no place,
7 June 1929. 1 page, 11" x 8¼".
The father of modern rocketry, physicist Robert H. Goddard was awarded
over two hundred patents in his field, working largely unheralded on
inventions that became a foundation for American guided missiles and
space flight. From 1914 until 1943, he was affiliated with Clark University,
where he had earned his doctorate, although he was on leave for most
of the 1930's, conducting Guggenheim-supported research on rockets in
New Mexico. Goddard writes here, apparently to a former student who
wanted to pursue a Ph.D. while teaching college physics, offering advice
on how to decide between job offers from Wesleyan University and Macalester
College.
“Please excuse the informality of this letter, as I am my
own secretary for a few days,” Goddard opens. “I
am glad to advise you in any way I can, but this time I don’t
feel that I can help you much. I tried to find whether or not Wesleyan
gives Ph.D.s in physics, from the office here, but they could not tell
me. If you need to know, I should either write or wire Wesleyan. It
is rather hard to compare Macalester with Connecticut. Off hand, the
latter seems a little the better, owing to larger salary, and the greater
choise [sic] of places for graduate work; but these are not so handy
as Minnesota.
“I think the thing that would decide me,” Goddard
concludes, “would be the relative encouragement these two
places would give toward your further work, and the amount of time they
would be willing for you to take. If there is any way of getting light
on this question, and there seems to be considerable difference between
the two places, in this respect, I think I should decide the matter
on this point. If I can help you in any other way (if this has been
of any help), let me know.” He signs, “With best
regards, R. H. Goddard.”
The letter has a few slight marginal defects, but is overall in very
good condition.
Goddard’s autograph is scarce, and handwritten letters are especially
rare. $4500.00
Return
