Do you know, on this day more than 100 years ago Radium was discovered?
On 21st December 1896, Marie Curie and Pierre Curie discovered a new chemical element known as Radium. Marie and Pierre worked together investigating about radioactivity, building on the work of the German physicist Roentgen and the French physicist Becquerel. In July 1898, the Curies made an announcement with the discovery of a new chemical element, Polonium. By the end of that year, they announced a discovery of another new chemical element – Radium. Both Marie Curie and Pierre Curie, along with Becquerel, were awarded the Nobel Prize award for Physics in 1903.
Pierre Curie died in 1906 when he was killed by a carriage. Post this Marie took over his teachings, becoming the first woman to teach at the Sorbonne. She devoted herself in continuing the work that they had begun together. She received a second Nobel Prize, for Chemistry, in 1911.
Marie’s and Pierre’s research was crucial in the development of x-rays in surgery. At the time of World War I, Marie helped to equip ambulances with x-ray equipment and she herself drove it to the front lines. The International Red Cross made her the head of its radiological service. She also held training courses for medical orderlies and doctors in the new techniques.
Marrie Curie’s invention helped a lot of people during World War I and is helping even today. But despite of her success, she always faced oppositions from the male scientists. Yet she kept her sprit high and worked hard.
No matter how hard the time gets, one should always work hard to reach their destination and goals. Are you working hard towards your goals?
Written & Compiled by Faber Priyal & Faber Mayuri
