This discovery subverts the whole theory that physics has been believing for centuries. Some conservative scientists expressed doubts: "where is radium?" Show us and let us believe! " Pierre and Mary are determined to answer all these questions with facts. However, to extract pure radium, there must be a large number of minerals and a large laboratory. Pitch uranium ore is one of the most expensive minerals, and they can't afford it. Later, with the help of an Austrian professor, they spent all their savings and sold everything of value before buying more than a dozen sacks of pitchblende slag. For the laboratory, the Curies negotiated with the University of Paris and answered them with merciless ridicule. Finally, the school of physics and chemistry agreed to provide them with a wooden shed that had been useless for a long time. The ground of the wooden shed is paved with asphalt, and the glass roof is worn out. There are only two worn-out tables, a stove and a small blackboard that Pierre used to calculate. It was in this shabby house that the Curies began their great scientific experiment.
The sun and the moon are flowing, and the Curies seem to be in a dream and forget the time. Whether it is winter or summer, night or day, they work nervously all day. Because of too little sleep and too much physical exertion, their health is damaged. Pierre was aching all over, and Mary obviously lost weight. But they persisted, spent 45 months of labor, and finally succeeded in obtaining 10g of pure radium after tens of thousands of refinements. Radium was discovered, and it was soon discovered that radium had the effect of treating cancer. The price of radium soared. Some friends suggested that the curies apply for a patent. With this patent right, the Curies will soon become the richest people in the world. But Pierre said, "No! We shouldn't make money from the discovery of new atoms. Since radium is a good substance to help the world and save mankind, it should belong to the world. " Besides, the landlord found polonium.