Einstein–Besso Manuscript on the Perihelion Motion of Mercury Sold for Record Amount

In 1913, Albert Einstein and Michele Besso tried to explain the anomalous advance of Mercury's perihelion on the basis of the precursor theory of general relativity. A manuscript bundle documents their work. This manuscript was recently auctioned for a record amount. The paper gives a brief discussion of the significance and history of this manuscript. The anomalous advance of Mercury's perihelion is a classical test of general relativity. A manuscript by Albert Einstein and Michele Besso documenting their attempt in 1913 to explain the effect on the basis of a precursor theory was recently auctioned for a record amount.