Albert Einstein, one of the most brilliant minds in the history of science, continues to fascinate not only for his groundbreaking theories but also for the peculiar story of his physical remains after death. Following his passing in 1955, Thomas Harvey, the pathologist who conducted Einstein’s autopsy at Princeton Hospital, removed Einstein's brain without permission from his family. Despite the ethical and legal questions this act raised, Harvey's intent was to preserve the brain for scientific study, in hopes that future research could unveil the secrets behind Einstein’s genius.
Harvey’s actions didn't stop at the brain. He also removed Einstein's eyes, which he then gave to Henry Abrams, Einstein’s ophthalmologist. Abrams reportedly kept the eyes in a safe deposit box in New York City, a decision shrouded in both mystery and macabre fascination. The rationale behind keeping Einstein’s eyes remains unclear, but it stands as a testament to the profound impact Einstein had on those around him, prompting a desire to preserve parts of him for posterity.
The story of Einstein’s brain did not end with its removal. Harvey took the brain to the University of Pennsylvania where he dissected it into numerous pieces, some of which were used in research while others were distributed to leading pathologists. Over the years, pieces of Einstein's brain have been housed at various institutions, contributing modestly to neuroscience research, albeit without any earth-shattering revelations regarding human intelligence or creativity.
This posthumous journey of Einstein’s brain and eyes sparks controversy and ethical debates, highlighting complex questions about consent, the treatment of human remains, and the extent to which the desire for knowledge can justify certain actions. The story also emphasizes the peculiar fate that can befall the remains of eminent individuals, whose bodies are sometimes viewed not only as physical vessels but as repositories of genius waiting to be unlocked. The fact that parts of Einstein’s remains are kept in places like a safety deposit box might seem almost fictional, yet it underscores the ongoing human fascination with intellectual giants and the mysteries of the mind.
