Mileva Marić
- Born:
- December 19, 1875, Titel, Austro-Hungarian Empire (present-day Serbia)
- Died:
- August 4, 1948, Zurich, Switzerland
- Nationality:
- Serbian
- Profession(s):
- Physicist, Mathematician
Early Life and Education
- Marić demonstrated exceptional mathematical and scientific abilities from a young age.
- She obtained special permission to attend an all-boys school, the Royal Classical High School in Zagreb.
- In 1896, she began studying medicine at the University of Zurich.
- She switched to studying mathematics and physics at the Zurich Polytechnic (ETH Zurich) in 1897, where she met Albert Einstein.
- Marić was the only woman in her physics diploma course at ETH Zurich.
- She took the diploma examination in 1900 but did not pass successfully.
- She attempted the diploma examination again in 1901 but failed again.
Career and Major Achievements
- Marić worked on physics research alongside Albert Einstein during their studies and early marriage.
- While there isn't definitive documented proof, some scholars have suggested that Mileva Marić contributions to physics significantly assisted in the development of Einstein's early theories, including those published in his "annus mirabilis" papers of 1905. This remains a debated topic among historians of science.
- She stopped pursuing a career in physics after marriage and motherhood.
Legacy and Impact
Mileva Marić's legacy is complex and debated. While her contributions to physics are not definitively documented, her intelligence and dedication to the field are undeniable. Her story highlights the challenges faced by women in science during the early 20th century. The extent of Mileva Marić contributions to physics is a topic of ongoing historical inquiry.
Notable Works
Due to the nature of her collaboration and the lack of definitive documentation, it is difficult to attribute specific published works solely to Mileva Marić. Her contributions, if any, would have been incorporated into work published under Albert Einstein's name.