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Clara Immerwahr
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Clara Immerwahr (June 21, 1870 – May 2, 1915) was the German born wife of the well known chemist, Fritz Haber, who was most widely known for his development of the Haber-Bosch process, an effective method of synthesizing ammonia.
Immerwahr studied at the University of Breslau, attaining her degree and a Ph.D. in chemistry. She married Haber in 1901. Constrained by the female stereotypes of the time, her scientific research was hindered. She instead contributed to her husband's work without recognition, and translated his works into the English language.
During World War I Fritz became a staunch supporter of the German military effort and played an important role in the development of chemical weapons (particularly poison gases). His efforts would culminate to the first gas attack in military history in Flanders, Belgium on April 22nd 1915.
Haber thereafter returned home to Berlin. Tragically, shortly after his return Clara picked up Haber's military pistol and shot herself in the chest.
Clara's suicide remained largely in the dark; it was never in the newspaper and there is no evidence of an autopsy. The undocumented nature of her death has led to much controversy as to her motives, many believe she was discontented with her life and detested Haber's work in chemical warfare.