Now, the special interest of radium is in the intensity of its rays which is several
million times greater than the uranium rays. And the effects of the rays make the
radium so important. If we take a practical point of view, then the most important
property of the rays is the production of physiological effects on the cells of the
human organism. These effects may be used for the cure of several diseases. Good
results have been obtained in many cases. What is considered particularly important
is the treatment of cancer.
But we must not forget that when radium was discovered no one knew that
it would prove useful in hospitals. The work was one of pure science. And
this is a proof that scientific work must not be considered from the point of view of
the direct usefulness of it. It must be done for itself, for the beauty of science, and
then there is always the chance that a scientific discovery may become like
the radium a benefit for humanity.
Adapted from Marie Curie, "On the Discovery of Radium"
How does this strategy help Marie Curie illustrate the importance of scientific inquiry for its
own sake?
It helps the audience understand the process of the scientific method.
It entices scientists to pursue further research into properties of radium.
It helps the audience grasp how scientific inquiry can have surprising benefits.