FERMI ENRICO: (1901-1954) Italian Physicist, Nobel Prize winner for Physics, 1938. Fermi worked on the Manhattan ...

FERMI ENRICO: (1901-1954) Italian Physicist, Nobel Prize winner for Physics, 1938. Fermi worked on the Manhattan Project to develop an atomic bomb during World War II. A very fine Autograph Statement signed, one page, slim oblong 8vo, Stockholm, 11th December 1938, in Italian. Fermi writes, in full, 'I am convinced that physical sciences should orientate themselves towards an intense collaboration with other sister sciences and equally with biology. I hope that such a tendency, which is developing, could benefit both branches'. An excellent scientific related statement signed by Fermi at a significant point in his life and career. Some light creasing and age wear to the edges, only very slightly affecting a few words of text but not the signature, about VG Fermi had been one of just two Nobel Laureates (the other being Pearl S, Buck) present at the Stockholm Concert Hall on 10th December 1938, the day before signing the present statement, to receive their Nobel Diplomas and Medals from King Gustav V. Following his visit to Stockholm in December 1938 Fermi did not return to Italy but instead travelled to New York City with his family where they applied for permanent residency looking to become US citizens primarily due to the racial laws in Italy. It was not long after arriving in New York, in January 1939, that Fermi and other scientists, including Niels Bohr, began to discuss the newly discovered phenomenon of fission as a possible source of nuclear power.