Description
Papers of physician Gertrud Weiss Szilard. Weiss was a professor of preventive medicine and a public health officer, researcher,
and consultant. She was married to nuclear physicist and biologist Leo Szilard and edited his papers after his death. Her
papers include biographical information, correspondence, photographs, and audio recordings relating to her work and that of
Leo Szilard.
Background
Gertrud (Trude) Weiss Szilard was born December 28, 1909 in Vienna, Austria, the daughter of physician Arthur Weiss. She entered
the University of Vienna in 1928, studying mathematics and physics. Weiss left after one semester, however, and traveled to
Switzerland where she worked as governess to the daughter of poet H.D. (Hilda Doolittle) and took language courses at the
University of Lausanne. The following year she studied physics and biology at the University of Berlin while working as a
secretary and translator. During this time she met Hungarian nuclear physicist Leo Szilard, translating a manuscript for him
and attending one of his physics classes. Szilard convinced Weiss to study medicine instead of physics, and she returned to
the University of Vienna in 1930, graduating with an M.D. in 1936.
Extent
0.82 Linear feet
(1 archives box, 1 card file box)
Restrictions
Publication rights are held by the creator of the collection.
Availability
Photographic negatives are restricted. Researchers must request permission to view negatives from the director of Special
Collections & Archives. Original audio cassettes are restricted. Researchers must request user copies be produced.