Myron Mathisson (1897–1940) was a Polish Jew known for his work on
the equations of motion of bodies in general relativity and for developing
a new method to analyze the properties of fundamental solutions of linear
hyperbolic differential equations. In particular, he derived the equations for
a spinning body moving in a gravitational field and proved, in a special case,
the Hadamard conjecture on the class of equations that satisfy the Huygens
principle. His work still exerts influence on current research. Drawing on
various archival and secondary sources, in particular his correspondence
with Einstein, we outline Mathisson’s biography and scientific career
