As we enter 1998, the Internet and biotechnology are probably the most
revolutionary bits of technology we have. But a hundred years ago, the hot topic
was radiation. Roentgen discovered X-rays in 1895, and three years later Marie
and Pierre Curie discovered radium and polonium and advanced some revolutionary
ideas about how radiation was being generated.
For an informative biography of Marie Curie see http://www.nobel.se/essays/
curie/index.html. This not only details her life and work, but also reveals the
cruel treatment Curie suffered at the hands of the press towards the end of her
life. They sought to belittle her by saying her achievements had been reached on
the coat-tails of her husband.