Marie Curie (1867-1934)
The Human Face of Science: Mini-Exhibits
More favorite photos, with quotes, of famous scientists.
Photo A2; portrait.
CREDIT: AIP Emilio Segrè
Visual Archives,
W.F. Meggers Collection
"The life of a great scientist in his laboratory is not, as many may think, a peaceful idyll. More often, it is a bitter battle with things, with one's surroundings, and above all with oneself. A great discovery does not leap completely achieved from the brain of the scientist, as Minerva sprang, all panoplied, from the head of Jupiter; it is the fruit of accumulated preliminary work." -- Marie Curie
Photo B2; in laboratory.
CREDIT: Radium Institute,
courtesy AIP Emilio Segrè
Visual Archives
After the sudden death of her husband, Pierre Curie, Marie Curie was asked by the Sorbonne to assume his physics chair. On the day that Pierre's lecture class was to resume, the room was crowded with celebrities, politicians, and most of the faculty of the university. There was even a stenographer ready to record what were sure to be her historic opening remarks. Upon entering the room, Curie was met with a thunderous round of applause. Without fanfare, she waited for the applause to subside before speaking. Foregoing all formalities and introductory remarks, Marie Curie began her lecture at the very point where Pierre had left off months before.
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