Marguerite Catherine Perey: Pioneering Female Radiochemist
Early Life and Education:
Marguerite Catherine Perey was born on October 19, 1909, in Villemomble, a suburb of Paris, France. She grew up in a family of modest means, and her father worked as a postal inspector. Perey demonstrated academic excellence early in life, and her interest in science was encouraged by her teachers.
In 1929, Perey entered the Faculty of Science at the Sorbonne (University of Paris), where she studied physics and chemistry. Despite facing financial challenges, she excelled in her studies and graduated with honors.
Discovery of Francium:
After completing her education, Perey joined the laboratory of Marie Curie at the Radium Institute in Paris in 1930. Marie Curie, a pioneering scientist in the field of radioactivity, had a profound influence on Perey’s career. Perey worked as a research assistant and became involved in the study of actinium, a radioactive element.
In 1939, Perey made a groundbreaking discovery while working with actinium: she identified a new radioactive element with an atomic number of 87. She named the element francium, after her home country, France. This discovery made Perey the first woman to discover a chemical element and earned her recognition in the scientific community.
Career and Recognition:
Despite her significant contributions, Perey faced challenges in her career due to gender biases prevalent in the scientific community at the time. However, she persisted in her research and continued her work at the Radium Institute.
In 1946, Perey was appointed as a government physicist, and in 1949, she became the first woman to be elected to the French Academy of Sciences. Her contributions to the discovery of francium and her subsequent research in nuclear physics were acknowledged with prestigious awards and honors.
Later Career and Personal Life:
Perey continued her research on the properties of francium and its decay products. She also investigated the potential use of francium in medical treatments. Despite her successes, Perey faced challenges in obtaining funding and resources for her research.
In 1962, Perey became a professor at the University of Strasbourg, where she continued her work until her retirement in 1971. She remained active in scientific circles and worked on popularizing science.
Marguerite Perey married Jean-Paul Lepercq, a fellow physicist, in 1948, and they had two children. Her personal and professional life exemplified her dedication to both family and scientific pursuits.
Legacy:
Marguerite Perey’s discovery of francium remains a significant achievement in the history of radiochemistry. Her pioneering work opened new avenues for the study of radioactive elements and contributed to our understanding of nuclear physics.
Despite facing gender-based obstacles, Perey’s determination and scientific contributions paved the way for future generations of female scientists. She remains an inspiration for women in STEM fields and is remembered as a trailblazer who overcame challenges to make lasting contributions to the field of nuclear chemistry. Marguerite Perey passed away on May 13, 1975, in Strasbourg, France.
