The Practical Einstein: Experiments, Patents, Inventions

Review

A lesser-known aspect of Einstein's incredible contribution to understanding the physical universe and human creations makes up the subject of this fascinating book . . . In this compact, readable account, one discovers Einstein's practical interests that lay beyond his seminal work in relativity and quantum physics . . . Highly recommended.―ChoiceOne turns to József Illy’s lovely little book on Einstein the experimenter and inventor . . . With a lean and matter-of-fact prose, he takes us through a long history of such things as Einstein's many expert opinions on everything from gyrocompasses and pile drivers to an 'electrophonic piano' and a makeup mirror. We learn about Einstein’s own inventions, ranging from an airfoil and a refrigerator to an altimeter and a light-intensity self-adjusting camera. The book concludes with the most complete history ever written of Einstein’s work for the US Navy during World War II on magnetic-influence proximity fuses for torpedoes.―Don Howard, Physics TodayEinstein’s papers reveal a down-to-earth side. Learn about his inventions and ideas, including waterproof breathable clothes and an explanation for rivers’ meanderings.―Science NewsA must for any Einstein historian and refreshing reading for anyone interested in the meanderings of a great scientist, The Practical Einstein is a special book. Enjoy!―Adriana Palffy, Contemporary PhysicsThis short but well-documented book is not a radical evaluation, but an engaging one. It suggests a more human and more 'hands-on' Einstein than the popular myth, and perhaps a better role model: his career of mixed productivity, eclectic interests, consulting work and brief enthusiasms may be recognizable to more than a few contemporary scientists.―Sean Johnston, British Journal for the History of Science

From the Inside Flap

Outstanding Academic Title, Choice MagazineAlbert Einstein may be best known as the wire-haired whacky physicist who gave us the theory of relativity, but that's just one facet of this genius's contribution to human knowledge and modern science. As József Illy expertly shows in this book, Einstein had an eminently practical side as well.As a youth, Einstein was an inveterate tinkerer in the electrical supply factory his father and uncle owned and operated. His first paid job was as a patent examiner. Later in life, Einstein contributed to many inventions, including refrigerators, microphones, and instruments for aviation. In these and other hands-on examples culled from the Einstein Papers, Illy demonstrates how Einstein enjoyed leaving the abstract world of theories to wrestle with the problems of everyday life.With a lean and matter-of-fact prose, [Illy] takes us through a long history of such things as Einstein's many expert opinions on everything from gyrocompasses and pile drivers to an 'electrophonic piano' and a makeup mirror. We learn about Einstein's own inventions, ranging from an airfoil and a refrigerator to an altimeter and a light-intensity self-adjusting camera. The book concludes with the most complete history ever written of Einstein's work for the US Navy during World War II on magnetic-influence proximity fuses for torpedoes.--Physics TodayEinstein's papers reveal a down-to-earth side. Learn about his inventions and ideas, including waterproof breathable clothes and an explanation for rivers' meanderings.--Science NewsA lesser-known aspect of Einstein's incredible contribution to understanding the physical universe and human creations makes up the subject of this fascinating book . . . In this compact, readable account, one discovers Einstein's practical interests that lay beyond his seminal work in relativity and quantum physics.--Choice--Don Howard "Science News"