Was Albert Einstein Truly the Sole Inventor of Relativity? A Critical Examination of His Contribution

The question of whether Albert Einstein was the sole inventor of the special and general theories of relativity has been a subject of intense debate among physicists and historians alike. While Einstein is often revered for his monumental discoveries, mounting evidence suggests that the credit for these theories may have been unfairly attributed to him. This article will delve into the controversy surrounding Einstein’s role in the development of relativity, highlighting the work of David Hilbert and other prominent physicists, and examining the evidence that challenges Einstein’s exclusive credit.

Einstein and His Critics

Albert Einstein, the famed theoretical physicist, is widely celebrated for his groundbreaking theories of relativity. However, there is a growing body of literature that challenges the notion that he was the sole inventor of these theories. Christopher Jon Bjerknes, for instance, has written extensively on Einstein's work, arguing that he was not the sole inventor and presenting evidence to support his claims. Bjerknes's work is based on meticulous documentation and critical analysis, making it a resourceful source for understanding the controversy.

David Hilbert and the Priority Dispute

One significant figure in this debate is David Hilbert, a renowned German mathematician and physicist. Hilbert is credited with the derivation of the field equations of general relativity on 20 November 1915, five days before Einstein's publication. This achievement placed him in a priority dispute with Einstein, which has been the subject of much academic scrutiny. Kip Thorne, a well-known physicist, echoed the accepted view in his writings, stating:

"Remarkably, Einstein was not the first to discover the correct form of the law of warpage [. . .] Recognition for the first discovery must go to Hilbert."

Hilbert's work on general relativity was based on his earlier efforts to solve the equations of gravitation in a generally covariant form. His approach was mathematically sophisticated and led to the correct field equations, which Einstein would later adopt and modify.

The Controversial 1997 Article and Subsequent Examination

In 1997, a pivotal article was published by Corry Renn and John Stachel in the journal Science, which claimed to overturn the conventional view of Hilbert's priority. The article suggested that Einstein had in fact developed the theory of general relativity before Hilbert. However, the authors' methodology has been heavily criticized. They used a partially mutilated manuscript of Hilbert's paper, omitting key equations and sections without disclosure. This omission was later revealed by Friedwardt Winterberg, a respected American physicist, who was shocked by the hidden evidence indicating that Hilbert had arrived at the correct theory first.

"Even with the missing equations, it was clearly Hilbert who got to the theory first."

Dr. Tilman Sauer and other physicists also reached similar conclusions about the 1997 article, and eventually, Renn and Stachel acknowledged the "oversight" in their case.

Personal Correspondence and Mathematical Credibility

Personal correspondence between Einstein and Hilbert provides further insight into the priority dispute. On 13 November 1915, Hilbert wrote to Einstein, informing him of his solution:

"But since you are so interested I would like to lay out my theory in very complete detail on the coming Tuesday [...]. I find it ideally beautiful [...]. As far as I understand your new paper the solution given by you is entirely different from mine [...]. "

On 15 November 1915, Einstein requested a copy of Hilbert's work before its final publication. Einstein then acknowledged receiving the manuscript and expressed his hesitation about understanding it fully. This correspondence suggests that Hilbert was indeed the first to arrive at the correct form of the theory, with Einstein adopting and refining it later.

The Millerian Myth and Contemporary Perception

Today, the image of Albert Einstein as the sole inventor of relativity is often depicted as a myth. Historical evidence and critical examination of primary sources have revealed a different narrative. While Einstein made significant contributions to the development of relativity, the idea that he was a career plagiarist or that his contributions were undervalued is a view held by many prominent physicists and scientists before World War II.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the controversy surrounding the origins of general relativity raises important questions about the credit given to Einstein and the role of other physicists, such as David Hilbert. Further research and critical analysis are needed to fully understand the complex history of these groundbreaking theories. Whether Einstein was the sole inventor is a matter of ongoing debate, but the evidence suggests that he may not have been as solely credited as the standard narrative portrays.