Robert McNees
Albert Einstein passed away #OTD in 1955. The cause was complications from a ruptured abdominal aneurysm.
Doctors recommended surgical intervention but Einstein declined. He told them: “I have done my share; it is time to go. I will do it elegantly."
Here is his office as he left it.
Image: R. Morse/LIFE
Robert McNees
Here is a better view of the blackboard in Einstein's office as he left it on April 18, 1955.
This image, which appeared in LIFE, must have been taken later, as there is damage to the frame of the blackboard which is not visible in the first picture.
Image: Ralph Morse, Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images
Robert McNees
Besides the famous chalkboard photo, Ralph Morse also took a close-up of Einstein's desk.
Covered with papers, his pipe laying on its side, a photo set down as if he’d just been looking at it. It is a very relatable desk.
Image: Ralph Morse, Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images
Robert McNees
As any physicist will tell you: a clean desk is a sign of a sick mind.
Judy Schmidt
@mcnees they don't have toddlers near their desks
Robert McNees
@spacegeck Oh, tell me about it. (But did I save every single scribble and craft they left on my desk? Every long calculation they decided to draw on? Yes.)
Judy Schmidt
@mcnees I'd argue that's damage to the paper, not the frame.
Robert McNees
@spacegeck Oh, of course! It seems obvious now. When I first saw it I though they had removed it, and maybe damaged it. Thank you for pointing that out.
Robert McNees
Andrew Abernathy
@mcnees You're suggesting that he chose death over having to clean his area? I can relate.
Makoto
@mcnees Powerful last words.
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