The Prodigy

by Amy Wallace

The more human beings proved to be disappointing, the greater the pull of the mind.

As the basis for The Animate and the Inanimate, William explored the possibility that all the laws of the universe are reversible in time, with the apparent exception of the Second Law of Thermodynamics. This is analogous to running a film backward—theoretically, all laws of physics would still hold true in a reverse-running universe, except the Second Law of Thermodynamics. This law is popularly known as the Law of Entropy; that is, the universe is proceeding on an unstoppable

Sidis admitted that her love might have achieved wonders with him, for whereas he might be stubborn with others, there is nothing he would not have done to please her. He carried her photograph with him from 1920 until the day he died, and was always anxious to be asked about it, and would flourish it in the face of any newcomer to arouse a curiosity which he was fast to satisfy on demand. That was the only lady he ever loved, and would admit it, just as readily as he would admit that she did not love him.”

He died in 1944

William died on July 17, 1944, of a cerebral hemorrhage leading to pneumonia. Anxious to avoid the presence of the gaping press, Sarah hastily arranged the funeral, which was held at Portsmouth the following day. She allowed only a handful of friends and relatives to attend. William was buried next to his father at Harmony Grove cemetery in Portsmouth.

Father : Boris Sidis 1867 - 1923, aged 56 Son: William Sidis 1898 - 1944, aged 46 Mother: Sarah Mandelbaum Sidis 1874 - 1959, aged 85 Sister: Helena Sidis 1908 - 1995, aged 87