That part of the work that interested the ‘organs’ would not, he said, meet with approval in all scientific circles – this was perfectly understandable and a valid reason for refusal. The work conducted by the station was of the greatest value and a committee had sat for some time considering possible candidates, aided by members of the ‘state organs’ from which I deduced that there must be a security aspect to the work. Its present head was in a precarious state of health and had not long to live. And he made me a proposition.Ī research station in the north, he said, needed a new director. In a series of conversations he assured himself that I was still alert in my field. He had fully consulted my doctors, was aware of my domestic situation and of course of my publications. This academician was only vaguely familiar to me, yet it was soon apparent that he had the liveliest and most knowledgeable interest in my affairs. This depression was diagnosed as ‘clinical’, and I was thereupon transported to a clinic! There I received various treatments, none of avail and there presently a certain academician began paying me visits. My institute was nothing to me, my former interests of no further interest. My friends, my colleagues, all urged a return to work. I spent some weeks in hospital and more in a sanatorium, a victim of severe depression. My wife was killed, I myself badly injured. Soon after our last meeting I returned home and took a short holiday with my wife in Pitsunda on the Black Sea. Where, here, you find difficulties, be assured I have shared them. I urge you to remember our discussions on chance and, above all, to keep two things in mind. Everything that follows you will find very strange. How long, dear friend – how long? I await you with eagerness! So much has happened (so much I must not forget) that I use this time to make an account.

Kolymsky heights