Premier Wen Jiabao (R) chats with He Zehui, known as China's Madame Curie and who is the widow of China's Father of A-bomb Qian Sanqiang (1913-92), in Beijing August 2, 2008. [Xinhua]

Madame He, now 94, received Wen at her simple home in Beijing's Zhongguancun -- "China's Silicon Valley".

He, one of the oldest woman nuclear physicists in China, had collaborated with her husband to discover ternary fission and quarternary fission in the uranous nucleus.

Wen has been an old friend of the couple. When the husband was alive, Wen often visited their home. Once, Qian was invited to Zhongnanhai, the office compound of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, in central Beijing, to acknowledge Wen of the latest development of the country's nuclear industry.

Wen talked with He about her daily life and health. The premier also recalled the night when he went to say farewell to the body of Qian.

Wen praised He for her simple life style and outstanding contribution to the nation. "The younger generation scientists should learn from you," he said to the senior woman scientist.

(Xinhua News Agency August 3, 2008)