An Ode to Brilliant Minds – Marie Curie & Her Discoveries

26th December 1898 – The discovery of Radium
1903 – Marie Curie was the first woman to be awarded the Nobel Prize and the first woman to become a professor at the University of Paris

I had a long thought of what would be worth sharing on a date that meant a lot to me, the 26th of December. I looked forward to this time of the year, every year. Not because I get showered with wishes or gifts, but just the thought of spending the time with my family and celebrating the annual family tradition excites me.

To commemorate this day, I thought it would be nice to immortalize an individual who I so dearly respect when I chanced upon this profession; Radiation Oncology. If I may ask, what would be that one quote that you hold true and keeps you fueled in life?

From my side of the mirror, I have always been that person searching for that one meaning, that one reminder, that can keep me going. I have my fears, biggest of which is the unknown. That is why, when I first stumbled upon this quote, this became a reminder to myself; that in life, we need to keep seeking knowledge without fear, so that our minds can be at peace when we are finally equipped.

“Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less.”

– Marie Curie, French-Polish physicist

This is a short biography of a woman who truly inspired me to keep going despite the hurdles ahead; because no matter how dark it gets, someday, you will see that light.

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1867

Though Marie Curie was born with wealth, she was not able to enjoy the much, if any, of it. Being the youngest of her four siblings, her family struggled with life as they had lost all their fortunes during patriotic involvements in Polish national uprisings.

Marie battled a challenging childhood, having lost her mother to tuberculosis at age 10 and possibly suffering from depression during her teenage years. In the 1900s, a time when the feminist movement was still in its infancy, Marie could not even enroll to a regular institution of higher education due to her gender.

1890

Despite the hurdles, Marie pulled through in her own ways. Having some scientific training from her father who taught mathematics and physics, Marie also self taught and self educated whilst working as a governess for a living. It was only in late 1891, when she successfully enrolled herself in the University of Paris that her legend truly began.

When Marie met Pierre Curie in 1894 it was their mutual passion for science that brought them together. They continued to be an amazing pair in later years; a power couple in the world of science that shared their discoveries with the world.

1895

The two important discoveries of the time were that of X-rays by Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen and uranium the year after by Henri Becquerel. It was these iconic events that formed the stepping stone towards Marie’s genius discoveries with her husband Pierre in years to come.

The Curies studied radioactive substances and particularly the uranium ore pitchblende. After discovering polonium in July 1898, they went ahead to discover another element, ‘radium’ on the 26th of December 1898.

Fun Fact: The element they named “polonium” was in honour of her native country, Poland.

1898 – 1903

The Curies published an accumulated total of 32 scientific papers with notably one which resonated closely to the field of Oncology: –

“…when exposed to radium, diseased, tumour-forming cells were destroyed faster than healthy cells”

The Nobel Prize was awarded to Marie Curie in December 1903, and she was the first woman in history to have ever been given such an acknowledgement.

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Inner Thoughts…

Fear and discomfort can materialize in many ways. If we can prepare ourselves to better face our fears, then the battle is half-won. Of course, easier said than done. I find myself in these situations often as I decide to choose the more challenging path each time. Sometimes, there’s just that burning desire to just fall back and retreat. The constant internal debate: “how good can the end of this path be anyway?“

Ultimately, it takes a great deal of determination, discipline, and self-convincing. Not forgetting, a lot of support from family and close ones. Personally, if you have set your mind to it, weighed all options from a clear standpoint, and made sure that you’re being true to your conscience; you are probably set for the path which lies ahead.

2020 has been a roller coaster for me and probably for you as well. There is no stopping me (or you!), and turning another year older just made us all that better equipped compared to the obsolete version of us from 2019. From the bottom of my heart, my birthday wish(es) this year would be that the people whom I love and care for, get their innermost passions, dreams or drives fulfilled and that 2021 will be smoother sailing for us all.

Thank you 2020, but 2021, here I come!

References:
1. NobelPrize.org
2. Marie Curie Wikipedia
3. Marie Curie Biography