Origins & Early Life

Max Theodor Felix von Laue (German: [maks fɔn ˈlaʊ̯ə] ; 9 October 1879 – 24 April 1960) was a German physicist who received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1914 "for his discovery of the diffraction of X-rays by crystals." In addition to his scientific endeavors with contributions in optics, crystallography, quantum theory, superconductivity, and the theory of relativity, Laue had a number of administrative positions which advanced and guided German scientific research and development during four decades. A strong objector to Nazism, he was instrumental in re-establishing and organizing German science after World War II. Max Theodor Felix Laue was born on 9 October 1879 in Pfaffendorf (now part of Koblenz), Germany, the son of Julius Laue and Minna Zerrenner. In 1898, after passing his Abitur, Laue did one year of military service, after which he started to study mathematics, physics, and chemistry at the University of Strassburg.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

He then went to the University of Göttingen, where he was greatly influenced by Woldemar Voigt and Max Abraham. In 1902, after one semester at the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Laue went to the Friedrich Wilhelm University of Berlin...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Albert Einstein — Contemporary (Born in 1879) (1879): Pioneering theoretical physicist known for the theory of relativity and E=mc2.
• Emiliano Zapata — Contemporary (Born in 1879) (1879): Iconic leader of the agrarian movement in Morelos during the Mexican Revolution.
• Ethel Barrymore — Contemporary (Born in 1879) (1879): Pioneering American actress, celebrated as "The First Lady of the American Theatre".
• Adam Clayton — Contemporary (Born in 1960) (1960): Irish-English bassist and founding member of the globally renowned rock band U2.
• Adam Schiff — Contemporary (Born in 1960) (1960): Long-serving Democratic politician, former Congressman, and current U.S. Senator from California.
• Albert Camus — Contemporary (Died in 1960) (1960): Philosopher and writer known for Absurdism, The Stranger, and The Plague.
• Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan — Shared historical date (10-09 · Died) (705): Fifth Umayyad Caliph who consolidated Islamic rule and reformed the state.
• Andrzej Wajda — Shared historical date (10-09 · Died) (2016): A towering figure of Polish cinema, chronicling national identity and struggle.
• Alejo Carpentier — Shared historical date (04-24 · Died) (1980): Influential Cuban novelist, essayist, and musicologist of the Latin American Boom.
• Barbra Streisand — Shared historical date (04-24 · Born) (1942): Iconic American vocalist and actress known for her powerful voice and enduring career.
• 1879 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1879
• October 9 (10-09) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on October 9
• 1960 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1960
• April 24 (04-24) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on April 24