Albert Einstein

Albert Einstein (1879-1955) was a German-born theoretical physicist who is widely considered one of the most influential scientists of the 20th century. He is best known for his theory of relativity, which fundamentally changed our understanding of space, time, and gravity. Einstein was also a pacifist and civil rights activist, and he used his platform as a public figure to advocate for peace and social justice. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1921 for his work on theoretical physics.

Einstein was known to be an avid fountain pen user, and one of his favourite pens was a Pelikan 100N. The Pelikan 100N was a popular fountain pen in the 1930s, and it was known for its smooth writing nib and elegant design.

Einstein’s Pelikan 100N had a green barrel with gold trim, and it was fitted with a medium nib. He was known to use it for both writing and sketching, and it is said that he carried it with him everywhere he went. The pen has become a symbol of Einstein’s love for writing and his commitment to using high-quality writing instruments.

Einstein’s previous fountain pen before his Pelikan 100N was a Waterman. It is said that Einstein used his Waterman pen to write some of his most important scientific papers, including his groundbreaking paper on special relativity. Physicist Paul Ehrenfest then invited Einstein to become special professor at Leiden University, and they became friends. As a token of their friendship, Einstein gave Ehrenfest this Waterman fountain pen, that he had used to write down his research on general relativity between 1912 and 1921.  The pen is now preserved in the Boerhaave Museum in Leiden. 

Einstein was known to have a strong preference for fountain pens, and he believed that the act of writing by hand helped him to think more clearly and deeply. He once said, “The pen is mightier than the sword,” and his love for fountain pens is a testament to the power of the written word.