Back when radioactivity was new and exciting...
The final episode of our podcast, Lady Clanbevan's Baby, is out now. You can find it here (or wherever you get your podcasts): A Brilliant Void
I found this story fascinating. Written in 1915, it features just two characters, a woman on the verge of middle age and an elderly professor - who is an expert on radioactivity. Amongst other things, it is about how far people might go to retain their youthful good looks - and the price that others may have to pay for that.
Without giving too much away, this story clearly comes from a time when radioactivity was new and exciting, and people were inclined to believe that exposure to such a powerful source of energy must be good for you. It reminded me of the famous image shown here for a face cream that proudly boasted of its radioactivity. It was for sale in France between 1932 and 1937.
It was only one in a long list of radioactive quackery that seemed to peak in the 30s. This link gives other examples: radioactive toothpastes, a pot that could add radium to your drinking water, and even radioactive underwear. I particularly like the fact that there was a brand of cigarettes with added uranium salts - on the basis that the radiation would help reduce the negative effects of tar and nicotine!
The story was written by Clotilde Graves, who seems to have been an endlessly colourful character.
Give it a listen. And if you like it - please share it on.
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