Soul of Genius: Marie Curie, Albert Einstein, and the Meeting that Changed the Course of Science

At the First Solvay Conference in Physics in 1911, Marie Curie and Albert Einstein met, which was a turning point in the history of physics. Curie was on the verge of receiving her second Nobel Prize when the French press exposed her affair with Paul Langevin, resulting in a scandal that jeopardized her scientific reputation. Einstein supported Curie through this, and their mutual admiration and respect would serve them in their future endeavors to make history.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 336 pages
\n Publication date: 30 September 2021
\n Publisher: Pegasus Books
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In 1911, a historic gathering of renowned scientists took place at the First Solvay Conference in Physics, a conference that would mark a pivotal moment in the history of physics. Almost half of the attendees at this conference had either won or would go on to win the Nobel Prize, making it a gathering of intellectual giants. During the conference, these minds began to realize that classical physics was about to give way to quantum theory, a revolutionary shift that would fundamentally alter our understanding of the world and the universe.

At the center of this meeting were Marie Curie and a young Albert Einstein. Marie Curie had faced personal tragedy, losing her husband and soul mate, Pierre, just a few years earlier. She was on the brink of being awarded her second Nobel Prize, but her scientific legacy was threatened when the French press revealed that she was having an affair with a fellow scientist, Paul Langevin. The French press subjected Curie to vicious misogynist and xenophobic attacks, and she found herself in a storm that threatened to overshadow her achievements.

However, Albert Einstein emerged as a supporter in her travails. They had an instant connection at Solvay, and Einstein's enormous genius was already evident. Curie had made groundbreaking discoveries in the field of radioactivity, but she still faced resistance and scorn from some quarters. Einstein recognized the grave injustice that Curie faced and their mutual admiration and respect, which was born out of their first meeting, would serve them in their future endeavors to make history.

The Soul of Genius, a book by Jeffrey Orens, brings these two remarkable individuals to life as the complex people they were. Utilizing never before seen correspondance and notes, Orens reveals the human side of these scientific giants, shedding light on their personal lives, relationships, and struggles. The book delves into their intellectual pursuits, their scientific discoveries, and their contributions to the field of physics.

Marie Curie's determination and resilience in the face of adversity are truly inspiring. Despite the personal tragedies she faced, she continued to push the boundaries of science and make groundbreaking discoveries that would change the course of history. Her work on radioactivity led to the development of nuclear medicine and the treatment of cancer, and her legacy continues to inspire scientists and women around the world.

Albert Einstein, on the other hand, is known as one of the greatest minds of all time. His theories of relativity and quantum mechanics revolutionized our understanding of the universe, and his contributions to science have had a lasting impact. Einstein's genius was evident at a young age, and he continued to innovate and push the boundaries of knowledge throughout his life.

The Soul of Genius provides a deep insight into the personal and professional lives of Marie Curie and Albert Einstein, shedding light on their complex relationships and their shared passion for science. The book also explores the broader context of their time, the social and political climate of the early 20th century, and the challenges that they faced as women and scientists in a male-dominated field.

In conclusion, the First Solvay Conference in Physics in 1911 was a historic gathering that marked a seismic shift in the history of physics. Marie Curie and Albert Einstein, two pillars of science, were at the center of this meeting, and their mutual admiration and respect would serve them in their future endeavors to make history. The Soul of Genius by Jeffrey Orens provides a captivating account of their lives, their intellectual pursuits, and their contributions to the field of physics, shedding light on the complex people they were and the impact they had on the world.

\n Weight: 488g\n
Dimension: 218 x 368 x 31 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781643137148\n \n