1882-1935

German-born American Mathematician

In the world of early twentieth-century German mathematics, Emmy Noether had two strikes against her: she was a woman, and she was Jewish. Through perseverance and outstanding contributions to abstract algebra and other disciplines, Noether overcame the barrier posed by the first fact. Ironically, just when it seemed she had gained acceptance, the Nazi takeover of Germany forced her to begin her career again in America.

Noether was born on March 23, 1882, in Erlangen, Germany, the daughter of Max and Ida Kaufmann Noether. Max was a well-known mathematics professor at the University of Erlangen, noted for his work on the theory of algebraic functions. Later, two of Noether's three brothers earned distinction in mathematics and science—Fritz as a mathematician, and Alfred as a chemist.

Such careers seemed blocked to Noether, who could not enroll in the gymnasium, or college preparatory...