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Einstein Centennial Celebration: Annus Mirabilis
Politics are for the
moment. An equation is for eternity
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| Albert Einstein |
 This
exhibit celebrates the Centennial of Einstein's Theory of Relativity by
examining many interesting facets of Einstein's life and works. 1905 is the
Annus Mirabilis, his miracle year and for the first time he lays out the
theory of relativity "E=mc2." He was
presented numerous awards in recognition of his work, including the Copley Medal
of the Royal Society of London in 1925, and the Franklin Medal of the Franklin Institute
in 1935. Einstein's most important works include Special Theory of Relativity
(1905), Relativity (English translations, 1920 and 1950), General Theory of
Relativity (1916), Investigations on Theory of Brownian Movement (1926),
and The Evolution of Physics (1938). Among his non-scientific works, About
Zionism (1930), Why War? (1933), My Philosophy (1934), and Out
of My Later Years (1950).
Einstein's fame and status continue to this day. He has been declared by
Time magazine the Man of the (Liberal) Century. His prominence is a result
of a unique concurrence of several factors that include his scientific genius,
personal charisma, and historical circumstances. According to Dr. Peter L.
Galison, professor of history of science and physics at Harvard, "He is
someone who had a transformative effect because of his relentless pursuit
of what the right principles should be." He further states that Einstein
has an appeal to this day because he comes from nowhere and turns things
upside down. He indeed fulfills a fantasy that someone can come from a
modest background and triumph.
The exhibit consists of posters and resources from the collections of
B. Davis Schwartz Memorial Library and the New York Public Library.
The exhibit committee thanks Dr. Donald L. Ungarelli, Dean of University
Libraries, and colleagues for their support of this exhibit. The committee
also extends a very special thank you to Prof. Larry Kirschenbaum for his
contribution, and talented artist Feng-Yuan Wang for her creative banner
and graphic assistance.
Exhibit
Committee
Prof. Manju Prasad-Rao, Coordinator
Prof. Mary Kate Boyd-Byrnes
Prof. Amrita Madray
Prof. Rosemary Burgos-Mira
Prof. Jean Uhl
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Artist
Feng-Yuan Wang
Editor
Prof. Emily Lehrman |
See also:
"Einstein's Big Idea"
from the PBS Nova website.
HTML by Robert Delaney
robert.delaney@liu.edu
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