1887-1961

Austrian Physicist

Best known for his wave equation and a thought experiment involving an imaginary cat, Erwin Schrödinger contributed to a variety of disciplines from biology to philosophy. Like so many of his generation, his life and career were shaped heavily by two world wars and the political divisions of Europe.

Born and raised in Vienna, Austria, Schrödinger was the son of a frustrated scientist who was determined that his son would have every possible opportunity. Until the age of 11 Erwin had a private tutor, then he entered the Akademisches Gymnasium (approximately a high school) gaining a broad education, excelling at chemistry and mathematics, but also enjoying poetry, drama, and grammar, and becoming fluent in German, English, French, and Spanish. He concentrated first on chemistry, then on Italian painting, and published several papers in botany.

In 1906 he entered the...