Robert McNeesApr 18, 2023

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

Show threadRobert McNeesApr 18, 2023

Here is a better view of the blackboard in Einstein's office as he left it on April 18, 1955.

Image: Ralph Morse, Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images

Show threadRobert McNeesApr 18, 2023

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

Show threadRobert McNeesApr 18, 2023
As any physicist will tell you: a clean desk is a sign of a sick mind.
Show threadJudy Schmidt
@mcnees they don't have toddlers near their desks
Apr 18, 2023 at 4:54pmWeb
Show threadRobert McNeesApr 18, 2023
@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.)
Show threadJudy SchmidtApr 18, 2023
@mcnees My kiddo is at the stage where everything gets destroyed and strewn about. If it can be climbed on, it will be climbed on. If it can be taken apart, it will be taken apart. No scribbles for me yet. Well, a few, but he's not very interested in such things yet.
Show threadRobert McNeesApr 18, 2023
@spacegeck
Show threadJudy SchmidtApr 18, 2023
@mcnees omg 🥰