Professor at Prague
Becomes professor of theoretical physics at the German University in Prague.
Historical biography archive · Updated 2026-11-03
Albert Einstein Biography and Timeline — Page 2
Follow Albert Einstein through 240 dated historical records for United States of America.
Albert Einstein, historical timeline
A chronological timeline drawn from matching World History Database records.
240Distinct records
2 of 6Page
1911–1917Years on this page
1911
1912
ETH Zurich Professorship
Begins work as professor of theoretical physics at ETH Zurich.
Grossmann Tensor Collaboration
Collaborates closely with Marcel Grossmann, who guides him toward Ricci and Levi-Civita tensor calculus as the mathematical language for gravitation.
Static Gravitational Field Theory
Develops field equations for a restricted static gravitational problem while searching for a theory that can extend relativity beyond inertial reference frames.
Tensor Calculus Collaboration
Works with Marcel Grossmann to master tensor calculus for a relativistic theory of gravitation.
Turn to Non-Euclidean Geometry
Realises that gravitation may require non-Euclidean geometry, redirecting the search for a relativistic gravity theory toward curved spacetime mathematics.
Variable Light Speed in Gravity
Explores a formulation in which the coordinate speed of light varies with gravitational potential, an intermediate step toward a geometric theory of gravity.
Zurich Notebook Tensor Calculations
Fills the Zurich Notebook with tensor calculations while testing candidate gravitational field equations and learning the differential geometry needed for a covariant theory.
Zurich Notebook
Uses the Zurich Notebook to explore candidate gravitational field equations and differential geometry.
1913
Eclipse Test Proposal
Encourages astronomical testing of gravitational light deflection during a solar eclipse.
Einstein-Besso Mercury Calculations
Works with Michele Besso on applying the developing gravitational theory to Mercury's orbit, creating calculations that later help solve the perihelion anomaly.
Einstein-Grossmann Collaboration
Collaborates closely with Marcel Grossmann on the mathematical framework of gravitation.
Entwurf Theory
Publishes the Entwurf gravitational theory with Marcel Grossmann as an intermediate step toward general relativity.
1914
Berlin Academy Appointment
Moves to Berlin for a senior research appointment and membership of the Prussian Academy of Sciences.
Covariance Problem in Gravitation
Publishes work refining the mathematical and covariance problems of his developing gravitational theory.
Einstein-Grossmann Covariance Analysis
Continues with Grossmann to examine covariance properties of their gravitational equations, exposing problems that eventually drive Einstein back toward general covariance.
Formal Foundations of General Relativity
Publishes a detailed formal treatment of the developing gravitational theory, presenting its mathematical structure before he restores fully general covariance.
Manifesto to Europeans
Co-signs a pacifist appeal opposing wartime nationalism among European intellectuals.
Nordstrom Gravitation Recast with Fokker
With Adriaan Fokker, reformulates Nordstrom's competing gravitation theory using tensor methods, clarifying how relativistic gravity could be expressed geometrically.
1915
Gottingen Relativity Lectures
Lectures in Gottingen on his gravitational theory, presenting the unfinished framework to leading mathematicians while he approaches the final generally covariant equations.
Restricted Covariance Equations
Presents revised gravitational field equations to the Prussian Academy during his final push toward general relativity.
Second November Field Equations
Presents improved gravitational equations to the Prussian Academy and moves substantially closer to the generally covariant form completed later that month.
Unimodular Gravitation Equations
Presents another formulation of gravitation using a restricted coordinate condition with unit determinant.
Mercury Perihelion
Explains Mercury's anomalous perihelion advance using the emerging general theory of relativity.
Final Generally Covariant Field Equations
Presents the final generally covariant gravitational field equations to the Prussian Academy, completing the mathematical core of general relativity.
General Relativity Field Equations
Presents the final generally covariant gravitational field equations to the Prussian Academy.
Revised Solar Light-Bending Value
Using the completed theory, obtains the full gravitational deflection predicted for starlight grazing the Sun, approximately twice his earlier 1911 estimate.
Göttingen Society Corresponding Membership
Elected a corresponding member of the Royal Society of Sciences at Göttingen.
Einstein-de Haas Effect
Publishes experimental work with Wander de Haas linking magnetism to angular momentum.
Göttingen Relativity Lectures
Lectures on gravitation in Göttingen, stimulating intense discussion with leading mathematicians.
1916
Schwarzschild Solution Presented to Academy
Communicates Karl Schwarzschild's exact solution of the new field equations to the Prussian Academy, demonstrating that general relativity admits important exact solutions.
Gravitational Waves
Predicts gravitational waves as propagating disturbances in spacetime within general relativity.
Relativity: The Special and General Theory
Publishes his popular introduction to special and general relativity.
Energy Conservation in General Relativity
Develops the treatment of energy and momentum in the gravitational field, addressing how conservation laws operate within the generally covariant theory.
Foundation of General Relativity
Publishes a systematic presentation of the general theory of relativity and its field equations.
German Physical Society Presidency
Serves as president of the German Physical Society during the consolidation of general relativity.
Hamilton Principle for General Relativity
Formulates general relativity using Hamilton's variational principle, providing a compact mathematical route to the gravitational field equations and their conservation properties.
Kottler Equivalence Hypothesis Response
Responds to Friedrich Kottler's criticism of the equivalence hypothesis, defending the conceptual basis on which his route from special to general relativity depended.
Quantum Theory of Radiation
Develops a quantum theory of radiation introducing transition probabilities later represented by Einstein coefficients.
1917
Cosmological Constant Introduced
Einstein adds the cosmological constant to his gravitational field equations to permit a static universe, creating the mathematical term later associated with dark energy.
Records, sources and methodology
These dates and descriptions come from the historical_events database. Exact duplicate records have been collapsed. Names are grouped by the country, Name 2 and Name 1 fields; records with missing Name 2 cannot be reliably assigned to an individual biography. Check the underlying sources before formal citation.