Carl D. Anderson’s speech at the Nobel Banquet in Stockholm, December 10, 1936

Your Royal Highnesses, Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen:

I do not know how to express my appreciation for this great honor bestowed upon me; I do not feel that my simple labors can be worthy of such recognition. But it makes me particularly happy to be associated with Professor Hess in this year’s award of the Nobel Prize in Physics. The Nobel Committee has joined in a very interesting way the alpha and omega of cosmic-ray research. We are all very much indebted to Professor Hess for his pioneering cosmic-ray researches. Twenty years ago if Professor Hess’ balloon, which has now become so famous, had failed to rise because of adverse weather or other reasons, the whole progress of cosmic-ray research might have suffered great delay. The large number of subsequent researches were without doubt stimulated in a large measure by the early experiments of Professor Hess. Professor Hess, I thank you!

I am also especially happy to come to beautiful and hospitable Sweden to receive the honor. Sweden is the home of my ancestors, and I have reserved a special place in my heart for Sweden.

The characteristic idealism of Sweden continues to express itself in the admirable way in which she is making use of her unique opportunity, through the annual awards of the Nobel Prizes, to foster international good will and promote the development of science throughout the whole world.

Tack så mycket!