Einstein and Bad Nauheim: The dispute over the theory of relativity!

Einstein and Bad Nauheim: The dispute over the theory of relativity!

On April 18, 2025, Albert Einstein's death marks the 70th anniversary. Einstein is not only known for his theory of relativity, but also for his connection to the spa town of Bad Nauheim, where he lived and discussed in the 1920s. A remarkable part of his story takes place in bath house 8, where he defended his theory against the Nobel Prize winner Philipp Lenard. This interlude is documented in the book "Hahnenkampf about relativity" by Ludwig Hardt, which offers detailed insights into the conference that was moderated by Max Planck. This argument was a turning point in the scientific world and was a central event in Einstein's life.

Einstein had his stay in Bad Nauheim in 1920, where he was officially registered in Villa Carola at Küchlerstraße 2. However, it is believed that he did not stay there, but with his colleague Max Born in Frankfurt. The Villa Carola has now changed from a place to stay to a location for doctors and medical practices.

memories of Einstein in Bad Nauheim

In Bad Nauheim there are various memories of Einstein. This includes a bronze plate on the Walk of Fame in the rose garden, which honors the merits of the great physicist. Albert-Einstein-Straße, which has existed since 2010, has also found its place in the cityscape. An information board at the Sprudelhof parking deck shows a photo of the bathing house 8, which was demolished in the 1950s because it was in poor condition. Materials of the demolished building were handed over to the population in 1954.

Norbert Witzel is an example of how memories are kept alive. In 1993 he acquired two window wings from the bath house 8, which now represent historical relics of this important place. These windows are about 1.50 meters high, lead glazed and have wooden frames in yellow and blue, which creates a colorful historical context for Einstein's considerations and beginnings.

Einstein's effects on science

The conflict that Einstein experienced with his theory of relativity was profound in the scientific community. According to the Maroheft #7, his theory was sharply criticized by several colleagues, including Philipp Lenard. A year after the discussion in bath house 8, he was awarded the Nobel Prize, which confirmed the recognition of his enlightenment contributions to physics. Wolfgang Martynkewicz analyzes the rejection of Einstein's theories and shows how these prejudices are linked to the progressive tendencies of the 1920s.

The Maroheft, illustrated by Gabriela Jolowicz, is another indication of how Einstein's work was not only scientific but also artistic references. It contains an extensive poster and thus offers a deep insight into the discussions about Einstein's theory of relativity. This booklet is available for 16 euros via Maroverlag or online retailer like Amazon.de.

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