When 17, Einstein entered the polytechnic institute in Zurich, Switzerland where he studied mathematics and physics. He always studied very hard. In 1900, when he graduated he asked to be appointed as an assistant in the physics department but was refused. After his failed teaching efforts, Einstein went to work in the Swiss patent office. Einstein's job was to check the technical descriptions in the applications for some of the parents, he also found interest in looking over the inventors models. Einstein always worked very quickly. He looked forward to the nights and weekends, which was when he could have time to read and discuss the basic laws that would help him understand the universe. "During the next few years Einstein thought and figured and wrote."" Then, in 1905, Einstein published a series of articles setting forth some of his theories. One of which was the theory of relativity, probably the best known of his work. By 1908 Einstein had received so much notice from other scientists that the university of Bern offered him a position. Soon many other universities were asking him to lecture for them. By 1913 he was invited to Berlin, then the leading center of science research. When Einstein went to Berlin, he separated from his wife and two sons. In Berlin he happened to live not to far from his cousin Elsa, a widow with two young daughters. More than anyone else, Elsa understood the unusual nature and personality of her cousin. They both got along very well and in time they decided to marry. It was not until 1919, after World War I ended, that Einstein became known to the general public. In March that year there was a total eclipse of the sun.