Biography: The Elements of Marie Curie: How the Glow of Radium Lit a Path for Women in Science by Dava Sobel (2024) 336 pp. Theme: Women in Science
Following on the theme from our Lessons in Chemistry session – women in science, this author has crafted a radiant biography and a masterpiece of storytelling, illuminating the life and enduring influence of one of the most consequential figures of our time.
What an amazing woman! For decades she was the only woman in the room at international scientific gatherings, and despite constant illness she travelled far and wide to share the secrets of radioactivity, a term she coined. She is still the only person to win a Nobel Prize in two scientific fields.
As well as discussing her fantastic achievements, we could continue our discussions about the roll of women in science and her place in history in getting greater female recognition.