C H R O N O L O G Y , 1 8 8 9 – 1 8 9 5 1 7 7
1889
Fall Medical student Max Talmey meets Einstein at his parents’
home. They become close friends, and in the ensuing five
years they discuss a number of mathematical, scientific, and
philosophical topics.
ca. 1891
“At the age of 12 I experienced a second wonder . . . in a lit-
tle book dealing with Euclidean plane geometry. . .” (Ein-
stein 1979, p. 8).
1891–1895
“At the age of 12–16, I familiarized myself with the ele-
ments of mathematics together with the principles of differ-
ential and integral calculus. . . . I also had the good fortune
of getting to know the essential results and methods of the
entire field of the natural sciences in an excellent popular
expostion. . .” (Einstein 1979, p. 12).
1894
Jun 1 The Einstein family registers temporarily in Planegg (near
Munich), prior to moving to Milan. Einstein stays in
Munich to finish high school.
Sep 10 Begins his seventh year at the Luitpold-Gymnasium.
Dec 29 Withdraws from the Luitpold-Gymnasium. Travels to
Milan, where he joins his family at their home on via Ber-
chet 2. Begins preparation for the entrance examinations to
the Eidgenössische Polytechnische Schule (ETH) in Zurich.
1895
Summer Vacations with his family at Airolo, south of the Gotthard
Pass. The family moves to via Foscolo 11 in Pavia. Einstein
visits friends in Casteggio (near Pavia) and hikes across the
Ligurian Alps to visit relatives in Genoa.
Oct 8 The entrance examinations to the ETH begin. Einstein is
permitted to take the examinations, although he is two years
under the regular age of admission.
Oct 14 The results of the ETH entrance examination are
announced. Einstein is not admitted that year. He is advised
to finish his secondary schooling in the Aargau Kantons-
schule in Aarau.