History often only remembers great scientists for what they found. But sometimes, when they are alone together, they show a very different side of the scientific world. One of these stories is about two of the most famous scientists of the 20th century: Albert Einstein and Marie Curie. In 1911, Curie was at the centre of a major public controversy in France. At the same time, she was also preparing to receive her second Nobel Prize. Amid intense criticism and media attention, Einstein wrote her a personal letter. According to academic biographies, the message was not about physics or scientific theory. Instead, it was a note of support and admiration. The letter has since become an interesting part of scientific history because it shows how one scientist defended another at a hard time. The story behind this letter shows how scientists sometimes had to deal with stress outside of the lab and how respect for each other helped them make friends that lasted.
When Marie Curie was facing public controversy
Marie Curie was already one of the most respected scientists in the world by 1911. She and her husband Pierre Curie, as well as physicist Henri Becquerel, won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1903 for their work on radioactivity. However, academic biographies say that Curie was heavily criticised in public life despite her scientific success. French newspapers started to write about her relationship with physicist Paul Langevin that year. Langevin was married but not living with his wife, and the affair quickly became a big story in the news.When newspapers got hold of private letters between Curie and Langevin, things got even worse. People talked more about her personal life than about her scientific work. At the same time, Curie had just lost a close vote to join the French Academy of Sciences, which had never let a woman in before.
Albert Einstein’s unexpected letter of support to Marie Curie
In November 1911, Albert Einstein wrote a private letter to Marie Curie during this hard time. At the time, Einstein had just met Curie at a scientific meeting in Brussels and thought very highly of her work and character.Einstein began the letter by expressing admiration for Curie’s intellect, determination, and honesty. He wrote that he felt fortunate to have met her personally.He also strongly criticised the way the public and media were treating her. In the letter, Einstein described the sensational coverage as unfair and advised Curie not to pay attention to it. According to the letter’s translation, he suggested that if the public continued to spread rumours, she should simply ignore them rather than read them.The letter was both supportive and direct. It showed that Einstein thought that public gossip shouldn’t take away from Curie’s scientific work.
Here’s the letter:
“Prague, 23 November 1911Esteemed Mrs. Curie,Don’t laugh at me for writing to you without having anything sensible to say. But I’m so furious at the vile [niederträchige] way in which the rabble [Pöbel] at present dares to treat you that I absolutely must give vent to this feeling. I am, however, convinced that you despise this rabble, equally when it’s feigning adoration or when it’s using you to slake its thirst for the sensational! I must tell you how much I’ve come to admire your spirit [Geist], your creativity, and your honesty. I consider myself lucky to have made your personal acquaintance in Brussels. Anyone other than those reptiles is certainly happy, now as before, that we have eminent people like you, and also Langevin, among us—real people [wirkliche Menschen] with whom one feels privileged to be in contact. If the rabble continues to occupy itself with you, then simply don’t read that swill. Rather leave it to the reptile for whom it’s been fabricated.With most friendly regards to you, Langevin, and [Jean] Perrin,Yours very truly,A. EinsteinP.S. I’ve determined the statistical law of [rotational] motion for a diatomic molecule in Planck’s radiation field by means of a merry joke [lustigen Witz], of course on the assumption that the structure’s motion obeys the laws of ordinary mechanics. But I have little hope that this law is valid in reality.”
The scientific meeting that started their friendship
Einstein and Curie first interacted closely during the 1911 Solvay Conference in Brussels. This event brought together many of the leading scientists of the time to discuss new ideas in physics.The conference included figures who later shaped modern physics, including Einstein, Curie, and other pioneers studying radiation, atomic structure, and energy.Although they had just met, Einstein quickly developed a deep respect for Curie’s work and personality. As per academic biographies, historians of science believe that the letter he wrote during the scandal helped strengthen a long-lasting friendship between the two scientists.Their professional relationship continued for many years afterwards.
Marie Curie’s second Nobel Prize during the controversy
The controversy surrounding Curie’s personal life happened at the same time she was about to receive another major scientific honour.In 1911, she was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for her work on the discovery of the elements polonium and radium and for her research on radioactivity.Some people even said she shouldn’t go to the Nobel Prize ceremony because of the public scandal. Curie chose to go to the ceremony and accept the prize in person anyway, even though there was a lot of pressure on her.She was the first person ever to win Nobel Prizes in two different areas of science.
What Einstein wrote at the end of the letter
Historians have often pointed out one part of the letter because it shows what kind of scientist Einstein was.Einstein wrote a short note at the end about a new scientific idea he was working on, after giving support and encouragement. He talked about a statistical law that has to do with how molecules move in a radiation field.The brief scientific note seemed like an afterthought after the emotional message. This little thing shows how scientists often talked about both personal and scientific things in the same conversation.
Why the letter still attracts attention today
Historians and readers are still interested in the letter between Einstein and Curie for a number of reasons.First, it shows the human side of two important scientists. Most people remember Einstein and Curie for their important theories and discoveries. But this conversation shows how they treat each other and how much they respect each other.Second, the episode shows how hard it was for scientists in the early 1900s, especially women who worked in fields that were mostly men.Finally, the letter shows how the scientific community sometimes stood by each other when they were being criticised in public.
