How Hilbert has found the Einstein equations before Einstein and forgeries of Hilbert's page proofs

Abstract

A succinct chronology is given around Nov 1915, when the explicit field equations of General Relativity have been found. Evidence, unearthed by D.Wuensch, that a decisive document of Hilbert has been mutilated in recent years with the intention to distort the historical truth is reviewed and discussed. The procedure how Hilbert has found before Einstein the correct equations "easily without calculation" by invariant-theoretical arguments is identified for the first time. However, Hilbert has based his derivation on an incorrect or at least not yet formally proved invariant theoretical fact.