What caused Albert Einstein's death?

Albert Einstein (14 March 1879 – 18 April 1955) was a German-born theoretical physicist who developed the theory of relativity, one of the two pillars of modern physics (alongside quantum mechanics). His work is also known for its influence on the philosophy of science. He is best known to the general public for his mass–energy equivalence formula E = mc^2, which has been dubbed "the world's most famous equation".

On 17 April 1955, Einstein experienced internal bleeding caused by the rupture of an abdominal aortic aneurysm, which had previously been reinforced surgically by Rudolph Nissen in 1948. He took the draft of a speech he was preparing for a television appearance commemorating the State of Israel's seventh anniversary with him to the hospital, but he did not live long enough to complete it.

Einstein refused surgery, saying, "I want to go when I want. It is tasteless to prolong life artificially. I have done my share; it is time to go. I will do it elegantly." He died in Princeton Hospital early the next morning at the age of 76, having continued to work until near the end.

During the autopsy, the pathologist of Princeton Hospital, Thomas Stoltz Harvey, removed Einstein's brain for preservation without the permission of his family, in the hope that the neuroscience of the future would be able to discover what made Einstein so intelligent. Einstein's remains were cremated and his ashes were scattered at an undisclosed location.

More Info: en.wikipedia.org

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25 Comments

deborahpmercer

To this day, the epitome of the scientist, with all due respect to Messrs Hawking and Cooper!

Iswardew Matai

What did Mr Thomas Harvey expected to discover. After dead the brain doesn't function. Are the brains of super intelligent people different?

Merri Sillery

Part of his brain is in the Mutter Museum, Philadelphia, PA.

Howard Groopman

Never knew that. My father died at age 91 in 2010 of what his doctor called an aortal aneurysm. He gave him half a day to live, but he lasted for two.

mmariano

Thank you Mr. Einstein for your invaluable service and contribution to mankind.

David Sarlo

Iswardew Matai, as Soviet neurologist found that Einstein’s brain had a greater volume of nitrogen then most others. Coincidentally, they noticed that a number of serial killers had the same differentiation in nitrogen volume.

markkcolemann

Player, don't worry, the family found out and fought in the courts and won, his brain was returned and cremated as was Einsteins wish.

Player

Stealing his brain was low.

Willow.

I have the same thing am getting it fixed in February. Can't wait.So tired of being scared all the time.

Ran

Iswardew Matai, Size doesn't matter but apparently shape or arrangement does. At a very young age Einstien took piano lessons and as a result of learning music, a specific part of the brain is shaped differently. I don't remember what the area was called but I watched a documentary on Einstiens brains years ago. So if you ever have children make sure they learn a musical instrument just as soon as they can walk because it is proven to be good for brain development.

Coral

My father died of the same thing I've done abdominal aortic aneurysm at the age of 65 oddly enough he was very much like Einstein ! A very intelligent man. Miss him so much X

coralnavon

I am shocked that he was cremated.

Eve

Seemed like the only sensible answer.

Mark Yakabuski

You know you’re famous when your very name is used as a noun.

Sally Ann Brushwood

A man of great wisdom, who never allowed his genius to consume him 🌟

kwkurtz

Ralph A. Caya, They may as well had, as Republicans certainly don't use them.

Char

I guess they could tell the diff in the areas of the brain however why the brain and the eyes need to bury them with him they are his he inherited them and used them well. He was brilliant..