Marie Curie – Mother and Wife of Science
Marie Curie was a pioneer within the medical and scientific fields. She was an educator, scientist, inventor, and matriarch to name a few of her roles. Marie Curie’s legacy spurred numerous inventions, inspired many scientists of all genders, and saved countless human lives.
Curie is widely known for discovering two different elements, Polonium and Radium. As a result of her findings, she was able to develop mobile radiography and x-ray units. She delivered these units to military personnel and trained other women to operate them. According to Smithsonian Magazine, it is estimated that over one million wounded soldiers received X-ray exams as a result of her discoveries and efforts.
She was an inspiration for her own family, womankind, and for mankind as a whole. A great example is Curie’s Nobel Prize record according to Encyclopedia Britannica. Curie was the first woman to earn the prize in 1903. To this day, she is the only person to ever secure the prize in two different sciences. Additionally, she is the first and only woman to have won the prize twice.
Marie worked closely with her family members who shared her scientific successfulness. In fact, both her husband and her daughter also became Nobel Prize winners. The Curie’s were the first married couple to achieve the prize. They are often referred to as the most successful scientific collaboration between spouses to have ever existed. The Curie’s daughter, Irene would also come to secure a Nobel Prize with her own husband. The Curie family legacy would eventually accumulate a total of five Nobel Prizes!
Sadly, Marie Curie died in 1934 as a result of long-term radiation exposure. Curie truly devoted her life to her field and the advancement of humankind. Curie’s legacy will continue eternally, positively impacting the medical and scientific fields for eons to come.
Where can you see the ripples of Curie’s influence today? Is it in your own work, or that of another inspiring woman in your life?
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