Dates

• Existence: 1874-1954
• Existence: 1874 - 1954

Biographical Note

Erich Anselm Marx was born in Berlin, Germany on March 13, 1874. His College preparatory work was done at the Frazoesciches Gymnasium in Berlin and the Humanistiches Gymnasium in Erlangen. Marx began his advanced studies at the University of Berlin where he studied theoretical physics with Max Planck, and also attended the Institute of Technology of Charlottenburg where he studied electrical engineering. In 1898 Marx earned his Ph. D. at the University of Goettingen. Marx’s significant research and teaching experience began with his position as Assistant to Philip Lenard (1899-1900) at the University of Kiel; and was followed by research work with Svante Arrhenius at the University of Stockolm (1900-1901). From 1902-1903 Marx was involved in research work at the University of Leipzig and he was also appointed lecturer (Privat doxent) there in 1903. He was appointed Professor of Physics in 1907 and also appointed an Expert for Patent Matter at the German Supreme Court in Leipzig. In 1920 he was appointed Director of the Institute of Radio Physics at the University of Leipzig, but in 1933 Marx was forced to resign his professorship by the Hitler regime. Marx spent the next several years (1933-1940) in the founding and operation of a private research institute in which he pursued development work for industrial concerns. This project kept him active with the industry applications of physics until 1940 when the Hitler regime forced him to close his laboratory. Marx emigrated to the United States in 1941 when offered a professorship at Trinity University of Waxahachie, Texas. Marx pursued his research in connection with photoelectric effect known as “Marx effect” and also taught advanced physics. In 1944, Marx was appointed head of the Physics Department at Cumberland University, Lebanon, Tennessee. There he worked with the 10^th College Training Detachment until the contract with the University was cancelled by the Government. He was appointed professor of Physics at RPI in the same year. While at RPI (1944-1954) Marx continued his work with photoelectric effect and taught physics. Marx wrote numerous articles, but is perhaps best known for his Handbook of Radiology, produced in collaboration with twenty-two internationally known physicists. Marx married the former Miss Lasker in July 1914. Marx died in 1954.

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