Einstein misconstrues nature of the universe

Clinging to Ernst Mach's postulates, Einstein held that space and time could not exist without having matter present to measure it. Unless the supply of mass was infinite, the extent of spacetime could not be infinite, unless there is no matter. Ernst Mach was an engineer and philosopher of renown.

de Sitter, an ally of Einstein,  in 1916 described a universe infinite in extent. containing no matter whatsoever. Einstein had to drop Mach's idea from general relativity as incongruent. He had to accept that  space is separate from matter. [This change has really far, far reaching effects! Not at all miniscule for the plane of the Universe. and dimensions] This latter information is reinforced within a paper by

Alexander Friedmann in 1922.

source: An Einstein Encyclopedia, p. 158.