Matematica e vita civile nel Politecnico di cento anni fa: la vicenda di Max Abraham

The main events in the life of Max Abraham are described, with particular reference to his activity at the Politecnico di Milano during the period from 1909 to 1915. Documents are provided relating to his confirmation as full professor, including two letters by Levi-Civita and Maggi, and some news and discussion about the training of engineers. Thorough treatment is given to a problem of mechanics (the falling cat), which was then taken up by C. E. Gadda, one of Abraham’s pupils. Finally, the events of April 1915 are described, culminating in Abraham’s decision to leave Italy.