Albert Einstein’s intellect reshaped our understanding of the universe, leading to a profound curiosity about the biological underpinnings of his genius. Following his death in 1955, his brain became the subject of an unusual quest. Scientists hoped to unravel the secrets of his extraordinary mind by examining its physical structure. This pursuit began decades of study and debate, as researchers sought to identify any unique features that might explain his remarkable cognitive abilities.
The Post-Mortem Journey of the Brain
Albert Einstein died on April 18, 1955, in Princeton, New Jersey, at the age of 76 due to a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm. Despite his wishes for cremation, the pathologist on duty at Princeton Hospital, Thomas Harvey, removed Einstein’s brain during the autopsy. Harvey preserved the brain for scientific study, receiving reluctant permission from Einstein’s son, Hans Albert Einstein, after the fact.
Harvey proceeded to section the brain into approximately 240 blocks, each about one cubic centimeter in size, and encased them in celloidin. He also took numerous photographs of the intact brain from various angles before dissection. For decades, Harvey kept most of the brain, distributing small samples to various researchers across the country and overseas.
Harvey’s cross-country journeys with the brain became part of the unusual story. He hoped these distributed pieces would yield insights into Einstein’s genius, yet it took many years before the first studies were published. The extensive handling and preservation methods over these decades would later become a point of discussion regarding the validity of subsequent research findings.
Anatomical Findings and Analysis
Studies on Einstein’s brain have identified several reported anatomical differences compared to control brains. One notable finding concerned glial cells, which support and nourish neurons. In 1985, a study by Marian Diamond and colleagues reported a higher ratio of glial cells to neurons in the left inferior parietal area of Einstein’s brain. This region is involved in integrating information from various brain areas, and this specific difference was statistically significant compared to the brains of 11 control males.
His parietal lobes, located at the top and back of the brain, garnered significant attention. A 1999 study revealed that Einstein’s parietal lobes were about 15% wider than average, particularly the left angular gyrus and supramarginal gyrus. These areas are linked to mathematical ability and visuospatial cognition. It was also reported that his brain lacked a specific groove, the parietal operculum, in both hemispheres, which some researchers speculated might have allowed for better communication between neurons in this region.
Further analysis in 2013 on newly discovered photographs of Einstein’s brain suggested that his corpus callosum was thicker in most subregions compared to both elderly and younger control groups. This increased thickness implied enhanced connectivity and communication between the two sides of his brain. Despite these reported differences, Einstein’s brain weighed approximately 1,230 grams, which is slightly below the average human brain weight of 1,300-1,400 grams, dispelling the idea that a larger brain size correlates with genius.
Controversies and Scientific Debate
The studies performed on Albert Einstein’s brain have faced considerable scrutiny and generated scientific debate. A primary criticism centers on the sample size: conclusions are drawn from a single brain, making it challenging to generalize any observed features to the broader population or to definitively link them to genius. The unique characteristics found could be coincidental variations rather than direct causes of his extraordinary intellect.
Concerns have also been raised regarding the control groups used for comparison. For instance, in the glial cell study, Einstein’s brain (from a 76-year-old) was compared to brains with a younger average age, which could influence results as glial cells continue to divide with age. The lack of detailed background information, such as the intelligence levels or causes of death for the control subjects, further complicates direct comparisons.
The decades-long preservation process of the brain introduces another layer of uncertainty. Scientists question how the formalin and celloidin treatment, along with years of storage, might have altered the brain’s delicate structure, potentially affecting the accuracy of microscopic examinations. The long delay between Einstein’s death and the publication of the first studies also raises questions about initial findings.
Ultimately, the central debate revolves around correlation versus causation. Even if unique anatomical features were present, it remains unclear whether these features caused his genius or if a lifetime of intense intellectual activity led to structural changes in his brain. The studies were often not “blinded,” meaning researchers knew they were examining Einstein’s brain, which could introduce bias into their interpretations.
The Brain’s Final Resting Place
After its long and unusual journey, the majority of the remaining pieces of Albert Einstein’s brain are now held in scientific and museum collections. A significant portion of the original blocks, approximately 170, were eventually returned to the University Medical Center of Princeton, where they are kept securely. These remain available to researchers under specific proposals.
Another prominent location for public display is the Mütter Museum in Philadelphia. This museum houses 46 wafer-thin slices of Einstein’s brain tissue mounted on glass slides, offering a rare glimpse into the physical remains of his intellect.
Beyond physical specimens, efforts have been made to create a digital record of Einstein’s brain. In 2012, a digital atlas, often referred to as the “Einstein Brain Atlas,” was published, based on high-resolution scans of over 350 neuroanatomical images. This resource allows researchers worldwide to explore the brain at a cellular level using a virtual microscope system, providing broader access for continued study and analysis.