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Discovery of radium by the Curies, 1898
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Discovery of radium by the Curies, 1898
Discovery of radium by the Curies, as depicted in a caricature published in the British weekly magazine Vanity Fair in 1904. French physicist Pierre Curie (1867-1906) and French-Polish physicist and chemist Marie Curie (1867-1934) married in 1895. The Curies worked together on radioactive materials, and in 1898 they discovered two new elements, polonium and radium. The latter, glowing in the tube in Pierres hand, was not fully isolated until 1910 by Marie. Both were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics (1903), with Marie also receiving the Nobel Prize in Chemistry (1911). Artwork by Julius Mendes Price ( Imp )
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Media ID 9196063
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1890s 1898 1900s 1904 Art History Book Caricature Chemist Chromolithograph Discover Discovering Element Experiment Experimenting France French Glassware Husband Laboratory Equipment Lithograph Marie Curie Married Paris Physical Chemistry Physicist Physicists Polonium Portrait Radiation Radioactive Radioactivity Radium Researcher Researchers Scientist Scientists Thirties Tube Vanity Fair Wife Wove Paper Curies Laboratory Pierre Curie
EDITORS COMMENTS
This lithograph from 1904 depicts the historic moment of the discovery of radium by the brilliant duo, Pierre and Marie Curie. The French physicist and chemist couple, who married in 1895, dedicated their lives to studying radioactive materials. In 1898, they made a groundbreaking breakthrough by discovering two new elements: polonium and radium. In this artwork by Julius Mendes Price published in Vanity Fair magazine, we see Pierre holding a glowing tube containing radium while Marie stands beside him. It is fascinating to note that it took Marie until 1910 to fully isolate radium. Their remarkable contributions did not go unnoticed as both were honored with the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1903, with Marie later receiving an additional Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1911. The caricature beautifully captures the essence of this pioneering couple's scientific journey. With laboratory equipment surrounding them and books stacked nearby, it showcases their dedication to research and experimentation. This image serves as a testament to their collaborative efforts as husband and wife. The significance of this discovery cannot be overstated; it paved the way for advancements in physics and chemistry throughout the twentieth century. The Curies' work on radioactivity laid the foundation for our understanding of atomic structure and nuclear reactions. As we admire this piece of art history today, let us remember these extraordinary scientists whose relentless pursuit led to one of humanity's greatest scientific achievements - unlocking the secrets hidden within atoms themselves.
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