Born: June 21, 1870 (Polkendorff Farm near Breslau, now known as Wojczyce, Poland)
Clara Helene Immerwahr was a German chemist who made significant contributions to the field of chemistry and played a crucial role in advancing women’s rights. Born on June 21, 1870, on the Polkendorff Farm near Breslau (now known as Wojczyce, in western Poland), she was the youngest daughter of Jewish parents, Philipp Immerwahr and Anna Krohn.
Immerwahr’s passion for chemistry was nurtured by her chemist father, who encouraged her academic pursuits. She studied at the University of Breslau and became the first German woman to be awarded a doctorate in chemistry from the university. Under the guidance of Richard Abegg, she completed her PhD in chemistry in 1900 after 8 semesters of study, two more than required for male doctoral candidates. Her groundbreaking dissertation, titled Contributions to the Solubility of Slightly Soluble Salts of Mercury, Copper, Lead, Cadmium, and Zinc, earned her the distinction of being the first woman to receive a Ph.D. from the University of Breslau. Her thesis defense, held in the main hall of the university, attracted significant attention and was attended by many young women of the city, eager to witness the achievement of our first female doctor.
After obtaining her degree, Immerwahr gave a public lecture on Chemistry and Physics in the Household, highlighting the practical applications of chemistry in everyday life. Her expertise and dedication to her field gained her recognition and respect from both her peers and the community.
In August 1901, Clara Immerwahr married the renowned chemist Fritz Haber, who would later receive the Nobel Prize for his work in the field of chemistry. They had met years earlier at a dance lesson and had a brief romance, but Immerwahr initially turned down his marriage proposal to maintain her financial independence. However, after four years, she finally accepted and converted to Christianity in 1897, as was expected by Haber’s family. This conversion reflected the societal pressures and expectations of the time.
Unfortunately, marriage limited Immerwahr’s ability to pursue her own research extensively. She was confined to the role of supporting her husband’s work, receiving minimal recognition for her contributions. However, she did translate some of his papers into English, aiding in the dissemination of his research to a wider international audience.
Clara and Fritz had one child together, Hermann Haber, born on June 1, 1902. While Immerwahr’s devotion to her family was unwavering, she confided in Richard Abegg about her deep dissatisfaction with the subordinate role society expected her to play. She firmly believed that a fulfilling life meant utilizing all one’s abilities and seeking diverse experiences.
Despite the challenges she faced as a woman in a male-dominated field, Clara Immerwahr remained steadfast in her pursuit of equality and women’s rights. She actively participated in the women’s rights movement, advocating for equal opportunities and representation for women in academia and research.
Tragically, Clara Immerwahr’s life was cut short by a devastating event. On May 2, 1915, in the midst of World War I, she died by suicide. Her untimely death remains shrouded in speculation, with some attributing it to personal struggles, while others believe it was a result of the emotional toll of the war and the dissonance between her pacifist beliefs and her husband’s involvement in developing chemical weapons.
Although Clara Immerwahr’s life ended prematurely, her contributions to the field of chemistry and her role in advocating for women’s rights remain significant. She paved the way for future generations of women scientists and continues to inspire women to break down barriers in male-dominated fields.