224 SHAPLEY HARLOW: (1885-1972) American Astronomer who correctly estimated the size of the Milky Way Galaxy, also determining the correct position of the sun within it. Autograph Statement Signed, H Shapley, in bold pencil, one page, 4to, n.p., n.d. (annotated 2nd January 1953). Shapley writes his answers to three questions relating to Albert Einstein, in part, ‘1. Einstein is our greatest living theoretical physicist, and one of America’s leading humanitarians….2. His place, I would say, compares most closely with that of Charles Darwin. He oriented mans thinking in the physical realm (time, space, matter) as C. Darwin opened new viewpoints in the biological world’. Signed at the conclusion. Neatly titled Homage to Einstein and annotated at the head in an unidentified hand in ink with the questions Shapley answers, including what he thinks of Einstein and what he owes to him, whom he compares Einstein to among the more illustrious scientists of all ages and, thirdly, asking Shapley to list the names of the six greatest masters in contemporary physics, following Einstein, and explain his reasons (to which Shapley has bluntly replied No). One very minor paperclip rust stain to the upper edge, not affecting the text or signature, VG £80-100

Albert Einstein (1879-1955) German-born Theoretical Physicist, Nobel Prize winner for Physics, 1921.

Charles Darwin (1809-1882) English Naturalist & Geologist, known for his contributions to evolutionary theory.