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While researching our upcoming cover story on “The Future,” I came across an astrophysicist with the most fantastic name in human history: Fritz Zwicky.
As early as 1933, [he] was arguing that the universe must have some form of “dark matter”—stuff that emits almost no electromagnetic radiation (such as light or x-rays) and can’t be picked up by telescopes. In other words, invisible objects. But it wasn’t until decades later that astrophysicists realized how much of the universe might be made of dark matter, possibly as much as 90 percent!
An FOE (friend of Einstein), Zwicky famously referred to people he didn’t like as “spherical b*stards” because, well, that’s what they were any way he looked at them. He was a bit spherical himself, of course — a frequent opening salvo when meeting new people was “who the hell are you?” If you think you can bear the irascibility, there’s loads more on him here.
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It is unfortunate, that the many exaggerated anecdotes and stories about my father are repeated, as if verified fact, by those who have read them. As a scientific trailblazer and visionary, my father’s theories were so advanced that it took his colleagues over 50 years to even begin to comprehend them. My father was referring to the spherical nescience to truth and the incompetence of many grudging colleagues. The photograph printed is actually taken out of context from a series of four with captions. I was present when those photographs were taken at Caltech, portraying a scientist in comical, deliberately exaggerated fashion.
posted by barbarina zwicky on 9-25-2006 at 4:15 pm
Barbarina — wow! It’s amazing to hear from you. I don’t doubt for a second that your father was a trailblazing genius (and yes, way beyond those grudging colleagues you mention). Had I know the photo was part of a series of four, with captions, I would have shown them all! (And certainly I think it’s obvious from the photo that he’s striking a funny pose.) If you know where I can find them, I’d love to put up all four with context/captions…
posted by Mary on 9-25-2006 at 5:02 pm
I believe that the title of “Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Scientist: Fritz Zwicky” is outrageous and offensive to my father’s name. The photograph is not only taken out of context, but is highlighted by an inflammatory title. It is the author who wields the influence and can taint the fabric of truth by using this technique. It is also the author’s individual compass that guides his/her work. I am posting my comments for the record only.
posted by barbarina zwicky on 9-29-2006 at 1:26 pm
Barbarina –
I’m sorry you find the title offensive. “MMMMS” is a regular feature on the site and the use of the word “mad” is meant in extreme jest — to indicate thinkers who are or were far ahead of their colleagues, in fact. Other scientists who have appeared in this feature include Nobel-winning biochemist Paul Berg, beloved songwriter and mathematician Tom Lehrer, and (most recently) Amy Smith, an MIT engineer who has contributed greatly to the environmental movement. Obviously we don’t think any of them are “mad” in the clinical sense. We are featuring them because we admire their accomplishments and their brainpower.
As far as the picture, I’ve replaced it with another, since I can not seem to find any of the other three photos you mention. (The one that was originally featured here has been reproduced by itself many other places.) I did feel that the original photo captured your father’s playful spirit and was clearly an outsize comedic pose that he was striking for the camera.
posted by Mary on 9-29-2006 at 1:40 pm
Barbarina: we often use the Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Scientist heading to express our admiration for brilliant scientists who have lived extraordinary and colorful lives. Honestly, I think of it as an honor, and I only wish I were intelligent enough, and charismatic enough to join the ranks: Richard Feynman, Tycho Brahe, Einstein, Alan Turing, Tesla and tons more. There is no doubt your father was a “trailblazing genius,” as Mary put it, but we also love the fact that history seems to be filled with wonderful anecdotes about him. He seemed to have a great personality, and sense of humor. But because you seem sincerely offended, I’m happy to change the title and take him off the list. It’s a minor gesture, but I do hope it helps soothe your annoyance with us. best wishes. /mangesh
posted by Mangesh on 9-29-2006 at 1:46 pm
Thank you.
posted by barbarina zwicky on 9-29-2006 at 2:06 pm