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Today in History: Marguerite Perey discovers francium, last natural element

1/7/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On January 7, 1939, French physicist Marguerite Perey discovered francium, marking it as the last naturally occurring element identified. A student of Marie Curie, Perey later became the first woman elected to the French Académie des Sciences in 1962. Her groundbreaking work significantly contributed to the field of chemistry.

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Story summary

On January 7, 1939, French physicist Marguerite Perey discovered francium, marking it as the last naturally occurring element identified. A student of Marie Curie, Perey later became the first woman elected to the French Académie des Sciences in 1962. Her groundbreaking work significantly contributed to the field of chemistry.