Autograph letter signed, one page (with collector`s stamp), 5,25 x 8,25 inch, `École Municipale - Physique & de Chimie` stationery, Auroux, 8.08.898, in French, to Marcellin Berthelot - Pierre and Marie Curie express their thanks for the awarding of the Gegner Prize* which Marie Curie has just received, written and signed in dark ink "P. Curie", attractively mounted (removable) for display with a photograph, shows Pierre Curie in a profile portrait (altogether 11,75 x 8,25 inch), with a horizontal letter fold, and mild signs of wear along the right edge - in fine to very fine condition.
"Monsieur,
Madame Curie et moi, nous sommes très reconnaissants à l’Académie pour la décision qu’elle a prise relativement à l’attribution du prix Gegner.
Veuillez, Monsieur, agréer personnellement tous nos remercie-ments avec l’assurance de notre profond respect.
P. Curie"
Translated:
"Monsieur, Madame Curie and I are very grateful to the Academy for the decision it has taken regarding the awarding of the Gegner Prize.
Please, Sir, personally accept all our thanks with the assurance of our deep respect.
P Curie"
* Since 1871, the Academy of Sciences has awarded the Gegner prize to a scientist who stands out for the seriousness of his work. In 1898, the prize was awarded to Marie Curie, who had distinguished herself through her research on the magnetic properties of metals. Marie Curie will again receive the Gegner Prize in 1900 and 1902, thus punctuating her march towards her two Nobel Prizes (for Physics in 1903, then for Chemistry in 1911).
This letter is sent from Lozère, where Pierre and Marie Curie are spending their holidays to "breathe clean air after the harmful atmosphere of the rue de Lhomond". One might be surprised to see Pierre Curie respond to the announcement of a prize that was not intended for him, but it was he who received written congratulations for his wife from Marcellin Berthelot (and also from Henri Bequerel).
Once the Gegner prize in their pocket, and relieved by the 3800 francs that accompanied it, the Curie couple left aside the study of magnetism to devote themselves exclusively to that of radium and radioactive bodies.
