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A remarkably detailed letter signed by Albert Einstein ("A. Einstein"), written to fellow physicist David Bohm and dated April 11, 1953 . This letter is a fragment of their dialogue regarding the philosophical foundations of quantum theory. It also reveals Einstein's persistent skepticism toward its probabilistic nature .
In this letter, Einstein articulated his demand for a "complete" and "real" physical theory, contending that mathematical formalism (such as the "Born interpretation") only holds "controllable meaning" when connected to measurable physical quantities derived from classical mechanics . He reiterated his view that for an individual physical system, like a "bound electron," the quantum mechanical description fails to provide a fully objective picture of reality .
The letter also touched upon the publication strategy for their exchange in the Max Born Festschrift volume, with Einstein indicated he had written to Louis de Broglie to ensure he had the opportunity to contribute his own remarks . Typed on his personal blind-embossed Princeton letterhead and boldly signed, this letter provides an important glimpse into Einstein's private scientific thought during the last years of his life .