We believe the substance we have extracted from pitchblende contains a metal not yet observed, related to bismuth by its analytical properties. If the existence of this new metal is confirmed we propose to call it polonium, from the name of the original country of one of us.

Sometimes my courage fails me and I think I ought to stop working, live in the country and devote myself to gardening. But I am held by a thousand bonds, and I don't know when I shall be able to arrange things otherwise. Nor do I know whether, even by writing scientific books, I could live without the laboratory.

I am one of those who think like Nobel, that humanity will draw more good than evil from new discoveries.

When one studies strongly radioactive substances special precautions must be taken. Dust, the air of the room, and one's clothes, all become radioactive.

First principle: never to let one's self be beaten down by persons or by events.

Life is not easy for any of us. But what of that? We must have perseverance and above all confidence in ourselves.

More and more, I feel the need for a house and a garden.