Making History Come Alive Newsletter The story of Albert Einstein's brain is a fascinating and somewhat macabre chapter in the history of science and posthumous examination of genius
After Einstein's death on April 18, 1955, at the age of 76, a series of events unfolded that led to the removal, preservation, and eventual mysterious journey of his brain, raising ethical questions and sparking scientific curiosity.
The Removal of Einstein's Brain
- Circumstances of Removal: After Einstein passed away in Princeton, New Jersey, Dr. Thomas Stoltz Harvey, the pathologist who conducted the autopsy, took it upon himself to remove Einstein's brain for examination. Harvey believed that studying the brain could provide insights into the neurological basis of Einstein's extraordinary intellect. However, he did so without the explicit permission of Einstein’s family, which later became a point of contention.
- Initial Preservation: Harvey divided the brain into numerous sections and preserved them in formaldehyde. He took meticulous notes and photographs, intending to study the brain’s structure and compare it to those of other individuals to identify any unique features that might explain Einstein's cognitive abilities.
The Journey of Einstein's Brain
- Storage and Transportation: Following the initial preservation, Harvey kept the brain in jars, which he stored at the University of Princeton. Over the years, he shared portions of the brain with other researchers, leading to a series of scientific studies on its anatomical features. Harvey eventually moved to different locations, including the University of Kansas, and took the brain with him.
- Scientific Studies: Various studies conducted on Einstein's brain revealed some interesting findings. For instance, researchers noted that certain regions of the brain, such as the parietal lobes, were larger than average. The parietal lobe is associated with mathematical ability and spatial reasoning, which are crucial for the kind of theoretical work Einstein was known for. Additionally, some studies pointed out that the density of glial cells in certain areas of Einstein's brain was significantly higher than in those of average brains, suggesting a potential connection to his cognitive abilities.
The Controversy and Ethical Implications
- Lack of Consent: The removal and subsequent studies of Einstein's brain sparked considerable ethical debate. Einstein's family was not fully informed about the extent of the removal and the planned studies, which raised questions about consent and the treatment of human remains. In later years, Einstein’s daughter, Evelyn Einstein, publicly expressed her disapproval of Harvey's actions.