ALBERT Einstein, the famous physicist known for his groundbreaking theory of relativity, is said to have had a remarkable brain, with his work on E=mc2 still captivating researchers and the public.
Rumors of a scientist stealing Einstein’s brain after his death have persisted, raising questions about the truth behind the story.
Verdict:
TRUE
Before his death, Einstein explicitly stated his wishes regarding his body and brain, expressing his disapproval of any examination.
Einstein died from a ruptured aortic aneurysm in 1955 at the age of 76.
Despite the majority of his remains being cremated, Dr. Thomas Harvey, a pathologist at Princeton Hospital, conducted an unauthorized autopsy and removed Einstein’s brain for preservation against the family’s wishes.
Dr. Harvey faced public backlash and lost his job after preserving 240 sections of Einstein’s brain in celluloid and keeping them in his basement.
Defending his actions as being driven by scientific curiosity, Dr. Harvey distributed the brain samples to various researchers and even the U.S. Army, though facing criticism for his controversial actions.
Einstein’s son later approved of the research, insisting it be used solely for scientific purposes.
The debate surrounding Einstein’s brain continues, with different research outcomes and limited publications on the subject.
Before his death in 2007, Dr. Harvey donated the remaining brain samples to the National Museum of Health and Medicine, where they are now displayed at the Mütter Museum in Philadelphia.
References:
1. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/health/the-strange-story-of-einsteins-brain
2. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/premium/article/the-tragic-story-of-how-einsteins-brain-was-stolen-and-wasnt-even-special
3. www.cbc.ca/arts/the-man-who-stole-einstein-s-brain-hot-docs-interview-carolyn-abraham-michelle-shephard-1.6831222
