Why Did They Cut and Sort Albert Einstein’s Brain?

Albert Einstein, one of the greatest scientific minds in history, passed away on April 18, 1955. However, what happened to his brain after his death is one of the most bizarre and controversial stories in the world of science. Instead of being left to rest with his body, Einstein’s brain was removed, studied, and even distributed among researchers in an attempt to unlock the secrets of his genius. But why did they cut and sort Albert Einstein’s brain? And what did they discover?

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The Unauthorized Removal of Einstein’s Brain

When Einstein died at Princeton Hospital in New Jersey, his body was scheduled for cremation, as per his wishes. However, Dr. Thomas Stoltz Harvey, the pathologist conducting Einstein’s autopsy, took an unprecedented step. Without permission from Einstein’s family, Harvey removed his brain for scientific study.

Harvey claimed that he did this in the name of science, believing that examining Einstein’s brain could reveal the source of his extraordinary intelligence. However, his actions sparked immediate controversy. Einstein’s son, Hans Albert, was initially furious but later granted Harvey permission to keep the brain for research purposes on the condition that any studies conducted would be for the benefit of science.

Dissecting and Preserving the Brain

After removing the brain, Harvey took it to the University of Pennsylvania, where he meticulously dissected it. He cut Einstein’s brain into 240 blocks, preserving them in formalin and embedding them in celloidin, a type of plastic used to prepare microscope slides. Harvey then distributed these pieces to various neuroscientists across the world, hoping they would analyze the tissue and uncover what made Einstein a genius.

In addition to slicing and distributing the brain, Harvey took a series of detailed photographs before dissection. These images, along with the remaining brain fragments, remained in Harvey’s possession for decades.

Scientific Findings: Was Einstein’s Brain Unique?

Over the years, multiple studies were conducted on Einstein’s brain, each attempting to determine whether his intelligence was a product of its unique structure. Some of the notable findings included:

• Increased Glial Cells: A 1985 study suggested that Einstein’s brain had a higher number of glial cells relative to neurons. Glial cells are responsible for supporting and protecting neurons, possibly contributing to higher cognitive functions.

• A Unique Parietal Lobe: In 1999, researchers discovered that Einstein’s parietal lobe was 15% wider than normal. The parietal lobe is associated with mathematical thinking, spatial reasoning, and visualization—all of which were crucial to Einstein’s scientific work.

• Unusual Folds and Structures: Some studies suggested that Einstein’s brain had more complex folds in the frontal and parietal lobes, possibly allowing for more efficient processing of complex thoughts.

However, despite these structural differences, no study conclusively proved that these unique features were the definitive cause of Einstein’s extraordinary intellectual abilities. Many scientists argue that intelligence is shaped by a combination of genetics, experience, and environment rather than just brain structure.

The Strange Journey of Einstein’s Brain

After Harvey lost his medical license in the 1980s due to unrelated professional issues, he continued to keep Einstein’s brain in jars inside his home. In 1998, after decades of keeping the brain in his possession, Harvey finally returned the remaining fragments to Princeton University, where they remain today.

Some portions of Einstein’s brain are still stored in various scientific institutions and museums. In fact, small slices of his brain are on display at the Mütter Museum in Philadelphia, allowing visitors to see a piece of one of history’s greatest minds.

Conclusion: What Did We Learn?

Despite decades of study, Einstein’s brain remains a mystery. While some unique anatomical features were identified, scientists still debate whether these differences were responsible for his exceptional intelligence. More importantly, Einstein himself believed that intelligence was not just a matter of biology but also of curiosity, creativity, and relentless questioning of the world.

The story of Einstein’s brain is a fascinating journey of scientific ambition, ethical debates, and the enduring quest to understand human genius. However, in the end, perhaps Einstein’s true genius was not in the structure of his brain but in the way he thought and approached the mysteries of the universe.