Man With a Unique Brain

We are all familiar with the fact that Albert Einstein was an exceptional genius, whose intellectual capacity surpassed that of a thousand scientists combined. He delved into realms of knowledge that were previously inconceivable, making profound concepts accessible to the entire world. As a renowned physicist, Einstein revolutionized science by introducing the theory of special relativity (E = mc²) and formulating the laws of photoelectricity, leaving the global community awe-struck. His remarkable thinking abilities and profound understanding earned him the esteemed Nobel Prize. People widely believe that Einstein possessed an extraordinary brain, vastly distinct from that of an ordinary individual. This notion was so deeply ingrained in Einstein's own consciousness that he specifically expressed his desire for his body, particularly his brain, to be cremated and not subjected to scientific examination following his demise.

Tragically, the very thing Einstein feared came to pass on April 13, 1955, when he passed away at Princeton Hospital. The doctor responsible for performing the autopsy, Dr. Thomas Harvey, secretly pilfered Einstein's brain, driven by an insatiable curiosity to uncover the mysteries held within the mind of this exceptional genius. When Princeton Hospital discovered this unauthorized act, they promptly terminated Dr. Harvey's employment. However, Dr. Harvey managed to persuade Hans Albert, Einstein's son, to grant him permission to conduct research on his father's brain and share the findings with the world. This marked the beginning of an arduous journey for Einstein's brain.

Dr. Harvey, a pathologist well-versed in postmortem procedures, believed that he would be able to delve into the complexities of this brilliant mind through his research. Unfortunately, he found himself without a job, prompting him to take Einstein's brain to Pennsylvania. There, he meticulously photographed and sectioned it into 240 small pieces, preserving each fragment in separate jars, which he then concealed in his basement. This clandestine endeavor strained Dr. Harvey's relationship with his wife, who repeatedly threatened to discard the brain amidst their arguments. Eventually, their disagreements led to divorce, and Dr. Harvey relocated to Kansas, where he assumed a supervisory role in the medical field. During his spare time, he continued his attempts to study Einstein's brain.

Over the years, Dr. Harvey frequently changed jobs and moved from one city to another. Despite the passage of time, he was unable to conduct substantial research on Einstein's brain. Instead, his medical license was revoked, forcing him to take employment at a plastics factory. It was at this point that he made a pivotal decision: to distribute various sections of the brain to the most esteemed neurologists worldwide for in-depth analysis. Numerous neurologists subsequently published multiple studies on this exceptional brain, revealing stark differences between Einstein's brain and those of ordinary individuals. The most notable disparity was observed in the corpus callosum, a vital link between the brain's two hemispheres. In the typical human brain, the left hemisphere controls the right side of the body, while the right hemisphere controls the left side. Additionally, the left hemisphere governs speech, mathematical comprehension, and writing in approximately 90% of individuals, while the right hemisphere influences creativity, spatial understanding, art, and music.

The corpus callosum enables communication between the two hemispheres. To illustrate, imagine typing on a keyboard, with both hands occupied. If your left hand makes an error, your right hand instinctively rectifies the mistake by signaling the left hemisphere. Einstein's corpus callosum was larger than that of an average individual, suggesting a stronger connection between his left and right hemispheres. This heightened connectivity allowed him to envision intricate problems and scenarios, surpassing the capabilities of most individuals. In addition to the differences in the corpus callosum, Einstein's brain exhibited distinctive patterns. Researchers postulate that these patterns facilitated optimal neural activity, resulting in exceptional mathematical prowess. Notably, Einstein possessed the ability to solve complex mathematical problems mentally, without the need for pen and paper.

According to research papers, another factor contributing to his cognitive abilities was the higher number of neurons present in his brain. When Einstein's brain was weighed, it measured 1230 grams, compared to the average of 1400 grams in typical individuals. Researchers believe that the relatively thinner cerebral cortex in Einstein's brain allowed for a greater concentration of neurons. However, the foremost question remained: was Einstein born with this extraordinary brain, or did it undergo changes over time? Research indicates that Einstein began speaking at the age of five, significantly later than most children, who typically begin speaking at the age of two or three. Moreover, he exhibited a tendency towards introspection, often lost in his own thoughts. He possessed a weaker memory and struggled to memorize even simple multiplication tables. However, his exceptional skills lay in his ability to process mathematics and numbers logically, rather than relying on rote memorization.

During his school years, Einstein faltered in other subjects but excelled in mathematics and science. At the age of 12, a textbook on geometry left by a family tutor in his house captivated him. Astonishingly, Einstein devoured the book within a day, thoroughly comprehending its geometric concepts. By the age of 14, he had mastered integral and differential calculus. His grasp of mathematics and science was so formidable that professors often grew apprehensive when he raised his hand to pose questions, as his inquiries were frequently beyond their own understanding. From an early age, Einstein aspired to encapsulate the laws of the universe within a concise equation, a quest that became the focal point of his life's work. At 26, Einstein published four groundbreaking research papers, astonishing the world and ultimately earning him a Ph.D. degree and the prestigious Nobel Prize for his extraordinary contributions to humanity.

Numerous doctors and scientists concluded that Einstein's brain acquired its distinct characteristics after his birth. This conclusion was primarily based on the fact that Einstein sought answers to his questions through his own intellectual endeavors, nurturing his brain from a young age. Presently, Einstein's brain resides in America's Mütter Museum, where it is meticulously preserved on microscopic slides, serving as a testament to the remarkable mind that forever changed our understanding of the universe.