painting by William Rock, Chinese calligraphy by Huang Xiang
“The
eclipse of May 29, 1919 confirmed Einstein’s theory that the light could be bent by the gravitational force of the sun. An English expedition in the area of the
eclipse have actually measured the deflexion of starlight from the sun. The
data of the expedition was presented to a special joint meeting of the Royal Astronomical Society and the Royal Society of London on November 6, 1919."
(Dr. Ljubo Vujovic, Secretary General, Tesla Memorial Society of New York)
This
scientific event held at the conclusion of WWI illustrates iconic realism in the media. Albert Einstein, an icon of the scientific community, received
confirmation of his theory of relativity through data collected by an English expedition. The
manner which this event illustrates the theory of iconic realism is the
juxtaposition of representatives from Germany and England, countries who were enemies during WWI; yet, they were present at a scientific
conference, which led to a united elevation of scientific awareness.
Ironically,
twenty years later, this same peace activist urged President Roosevelt to begin
research into the production of the atomic bomb as a means to bring a quick end
to Nazism and WWII. And we all know the rest of that narrative.
Work
cited:
Vujovic, Dr. Ljubo. Albert Einstein (187901955). Tesla Memorial Society
of New York. http://www.teslasociety.com/einstein.htm
