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Women from History: Emmy Noether revolutionized physics...and didn't get a paycheque
- Sara Plaw
- Mar 12, 2020
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 29, 2021
Emmy Noether, front and left
WHO: Emmy Noether (1882-1935) was a German mathematician who made foundational contributions to theoretical physics and abstract algebra. A Jewish pacifist.
Obstacles: Noether was forbidden to study maths at university because she was a woman. Noether studied math nevertheless and started teaching math, although she was not paid for teaching. She lectured under the names of her male colleagues. She took a career break to take care of her ailing father. After the Nazis came into power, Noether had to relocate to the United States.
Why, then:
Physicist and novelist Ransom Stephens says, “You can make a strong case that her theorem is the backbone on which all of modern physics is built.”
Noether published articles in abstract algebra and ring theory. She applied these theories to the universe by explaining the relationship between time and energy.
She applied her invariance work to Albert Einstein's theory of relativity. This work led to Noether’s theorem which is "an expression of the deep tie between the underlying geometry of the universe and the behavior of the mass and energy that call the universe home".
Smithsonian article about Noether:
Why Now: Noether made revolutionary contributions to the fields of physics and algebra. She was also respected by her colleagues and students for her humanity and sense of humor.
Noether shared her knowledge of math, algebra, and physics generously with her students. She referred to them as her children (she never chose to marry or have children herself). It's recorded that Noether brought humor, wit, and a positive attitude to her classroom.
After the Nazis took over Germany, a wonderful collaboration took place between Noether and Anna Wheeler, who was Head of the math department at Bryn Mawr University. Wheeler hired Noether for a full-time paid position.
The two female professors went on to collaborate closely. This was the happiest time in Noether's career because she felt the most support professionally.
Wheeler was similarly admired by her students, one said:
"[Mrs. Wheeler] recognized that we needed help in our emotional and philosophical growth. She encouraged us to come to tea, to just drop in. She was a good listener. I don't know how she did it, but before you knew it you had told her all sorts of things which you had never intended to tell her. ..."
Both of these women persisted in pursuing their studies despite many challenges.
Wheeler was more vocal in her stance against gender discrimination.
In 1910, unable to get a job despite her superior qualifications, Wheeler said: "there is such an objection to women that they prefer a man even if he is inferior both in training and research". (quotes are taken from http://mathshistory.st-andrews.ac.uk/Biographies/Wheeler.html)
Noether was less vocal in fighting gender discrimination. She was truly driven by an unrelenting passion and commitment to physics and advanced mathematics.
Her intelligence, sense of humor, and kindness are the attributes that connected her to the community. Male and female colleagues continuously supported and advocated on her behalf.
I love that these two women united their expertise. Together they were a powerhouse team and clearly had a huge impact on their students.
Sadly, Noether died shortly after arriving in America. We are left to wonder what more these two women could have achieved together. Their story, however, is a reminder of the power of supporting one another and doing things differently.
How do you deal with systemic inequalities? What attributes have helped you overcome these kinds of obstacles? Please share your experiences below or on the Linked In group page.
Photo: Anna Wheeler
Sara Plaw is a Toronto-based Content Creator. Msregarded explores the lives and stories of women who are often disregarded from the mainstream.
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