The most fascinating field of experiment that could be opened to man lies behind Einstein’s new theory that electricity and magnetism are related to gravitation, declared Dr. H. H. Sheldon, head of the department of physics of New York University, according to the Associated Press. Dr. Sheldon said:
Such things as keeping airplanes aloft without engines or material support, as stepping out of a window into the air without fear of falling, or of making a trip to the moon, as far as hindrance of gravitation is concerned are avenues of investigation suggested by this theory.
“It gives us the one link that has been missing in our theories of relations of electricity, heat, energy, light, space, time, gravitation and matter. If it stands up as a proof that electricity and gravitation are virtually the same, we can attempt at last to insulate ourselves from the force of gravitation.
“We know how to insulate ourselves against electrical currents, and perhaps the day will come when it is no more unbelievable that we can insulate against gravitation.
“Here on my desk is a bar of permalloy, recently produced in the Bell Telephone laboratories here and its new property is unusual sensitivity to magnetism. I place it above another magnet. It remains suspended seemingly by air alone an inch above the magnet on my desk.
“Thus far this force of magnetism is the only means we have found experimentally of balancing the force of gravitation. Now Einstein comes with a mathematical law which shows a relation between magnetism and gravitation.”
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