Marie Curie's "Little Curies" revolutionized battlefield medicine during war, saving countless lives.
| Science | Medical Technology |
Updated By: History Editorial Network (HEN)
Published:
4 min read
Marie Curie, along with her daughter Irène, played a crucial role in medical advancements during a period of intense conflict. They deployed 20 mobile radiography units, known as "Little Curies," and 200 radiology units to field hospitals close to the front lines. These mobile units were crucial for providing immediate and effective medical imaging on the battlefield, allowing military surgeons to identify and treat injuries with greater precision.
Marie Curie, already renowned for her groundbreaking work in radioactivity and as a two-time Nobel laureate, recognized the urgent need for advanced medical technology to save lives. The mobile radiography units were critically important for diagnosing injuries and locating shrapnel or bullets within soldiers' bodies. They significantly reduced the time required for diagnosis and intervention, improving survival rates.
The implementation of these units represented a significant advancement in medical care under dire conditions. The use of mobile X-ray machines on the battlefield marked the first time such technology had been used in a war setting. It underscored the practicality and necessity of scientific innovation in times of crisis. More than a million soldiers benefited from these units by receiving accurate diagnoses and timely medical interventions, reducing the suffering and mortality rates among the wounded.
Marie Curie personally trained a large number of women to operate these X-ray machines, thereby also contributing to the inclusion of women in technical and scientific roles typically dominated by men. This effort not only highlighted her commitment to scientific application but also her advocacy for women's roles in science and technology.
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Primary Reference: La Grande Guerre de 1914-1918

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