The brain of Albert Einstein has never been laid to rest since his death in 1955. Pieces of the renowned scientist’s brain that revolutionized our understanding of the universe have been stored in various containers like mayonnaise jars, cardboard boxes, and car trunks across the globe. The enigmatic figure responsible for the peculiar fate of Einstein’s brain has finally been unveiled in “The Man Who Stole Einstein’s Brain” – a revealing account of Dr. Thomas Stoltz Harvey’s audacious actions.
Dr. Harvey, a Yale-educated Quaker and the chief pathologist at Princeton Hospital, made a daring move by taking Einstein’s brain during the autopsy with the ambition of unlocking the secrets of genius and achieving scientific acclaim. Despite the family’s request for the brain’s return, Harvey made a confidential agreement with Einstein’s estate, promising to protect it from public attention and souvenir hunters and restrict its use to scientific research, which allowed him to retain possession.
Upon dividing the brain into 240 fragments for examination, Harvey soon realized that the brain science of the 1950s was insufficient for his aspirations. Instead of gaining scholarly recognition, the brain’s acquisition led to Harvey’s downfall. He faced job loss, revocation of his medical license, three failed marriages, and a tumultuous life spent concealing Einstein’s brain in basements while navigating financial struggles. Despite being pursued by Einstein’s estate and a barrage of journalists for updates on the brain study, Harvey chose to remain elusive, cultivating his reputation as the elusive mastermind behind the century’s most infamous heist.
As Harvey aged into his 80s, he transitioned to working night shifts at a plastics factory, sharing a small apartment with a university student, and discreetly storing Einstein’s brain in a closet. Towards the end of his life, Harvey entrusted the brain to another Princeton physician, known only as Dr. X, to safeguard it. Presently, Dr. X continues to keep Einstein’s brain hidden, contemplating its future destination.
“The Man Who Stole Einstein’s Brain” delves into society’s enduring fascination with genius, the allure of fame, and the consequences of unchecked ambition. The documentary features a wealth of archival material, exclusive access to Harvey’s personal recordings and correspondence, and interviews with a diverse array of individuals, including Harvey’s family, colleagues, and even the manager of Albert Einstein’s social media accounts – a chicken-raising resident of the Appalachian region responsible for posting messages on Einstein’s social platforms, followed by millions of fans.
For a deep dive into this captivating story, catch “The Man Who Stole Einstein’s Brain” on CBC Gem.