Albert Einstein is widely recognized as one of the greatest physicists of all time for his groundbreaking contributions, particularly his theory of relativity. However, while he made significant mathematical contributions throughout his career, he was not initially regarded as one of the greatest mathematicians by some people before he gained fame for his theory of relativity. There are a few reasons for this perception:
Background: Einstein's educational background was in physics, not mathematics. He studied physics and mathematics at the Polytechnic Institute in Zurich, but he focused more on physics during his early career.
Early work: In his early scientific papers, Einstein primarily focused on topics related to statistical physics, thermodynamics, and quantum theory. These areas of research were not traditionally associated with pure mathematics, and his work did not initially draw attention from the mathematical community.
Lack of formal training: Although Einstein possessed strong mathematical abilities, he did not have the same level of formal mathematical training as some of the renowned mathematicians of his time. This, along with his interdisciplinary approach, might have contributed to some mathematicians overlooking his contributions.
Relative obscurity: Before his work on the theory of relativity, Einstein's scientific reputation was not widely established. It was only after the publication of his papers on special relativity (1905) and general relativity (1915) that he gained worldwide recognition and acclaim.
It's important to note that while Einstein may not have been initially recognized as one of the greatest mathematicians by some, his contributions to the field of physics and his profound impact on our understanding of the universe have solidified his status as one of the most influential scientists in history.