Chapter 1048: 358, The Most Deadly Commodity of the 1920s

In this situation, various merchants increasingly sought after radium-containing products, such as radium cigarettes, radium ointments, and radium toothpaste, endlessly emerging.

Now, all sorts of radium-containing cosmetics began to appear on the market, and they were all quite expensive. These cosmetics became the new darlings of socialites and also a basis for wealthy women to compete with one another.

But that wasn’t the end of it. Before anyone noticed the radioactive hazards of radium, more industries began researching radium-containing products.

A doctor named William Bailey invented a device called the “Radium Hormone Device.”

The main component of this device was a radium-rich alloy plate, wrapped in a layer of cloth. People could freely sew it into their underwear or clothes to conveniently apply it to any part that needed rejuvenating.

Dr. William believed that this device could ionize, or in other words, radiate the endocrine system to promote hormone secretion, making the body healthier.

In reality, the high-energy rays could indeed make human cells grow rapidly because these cells were about to become cancerous, which is why they grew so fast.

Unaware of the truth, the American public praised this device, believing that Dr. William brought them health.

The enthusiasm for radium reached its peak last year when another chemist gave a lecture on radium.

In this lecture, he suggested that radium could help people restore the vitality of their endocrine glands. As long as the glands remained vibrant and healthy, people wouldn’t get sick or grow old. It could even rejuvenate people — in other words, radium might achieve the ancient dream of immortality.

This lecture stirred a huge reaction among the public.

American pharmaceutical companies began producing drugs that combined hormones and radium supplements — not only oral medicines but even suppositories.

The radium craze in the United States peaked after the speech, with radium-containing products found in nearly every household. In this environment, the historically famous Radium Thorium Water emerged.

Radium Thorium Water was ‘good stuff,’ and because it was good stuff, it was expensive. Its high price further convinced ordinary people of its quality!

If nothing unexpected happens, in two years, an American industrialist named Eben Byers will suffer a fall that breaks a bone in his arm. Even though the bone was later set, Eben Byers still experienced excruciating pain, affecting his ability to seek pleasure.

Without effective painkillers, Eben Byers sought many ways to alleviate his pain without success. By chance, he discovered the renowned Radium Thorium Water. With a try-it-and-see attitude, Eben Byers drank a bottle of the expensive Radium Thorium Water.

A miracle happened — the pain in his arm improved, and not only that, he felt his capabilities improved!

So, the affluent Eben Byers became a loyal consumer of Radium Thorium Water, drinking at least three bottles every day!

Then… after a few years of consuming Radium Thorium Water, Eben Byers died!

Because Eben Byers was a notable figure in the United States, coupled with the fame of Radium Thorium Water, the combination drew much attention to Eben Byers’ death, which resulted from the sudden outbreak of multiple cancers.

Clearly, these cancers were a ‘gift’ from those radioactive substances.

Before his death, Byers’ kidneys had completely failed, his skin turned sallow and sunken, and his brain was filled with fluid and cysts, ruining his ability to speak and see.

But terrifyingly, his mind remained clear throughout.

In other words, he continuously endured the torment of illness while being fully conscious.

To stop the spread of cancer, most of the tissue in his jaw was removed, but this did nothing, only adding to Byers’ suffering.

By the time Byers passed away, his weight was only 96 pounds, roughly fifty-something pounds, a man reduced to such a state, he was likely just skin and bones.

Eben Byers’ death finally made humanity reexamine the so-called radium!

Soon, the once popular Radium Thorium Water ceased production!

While Donnie was reflecting on this historical episode, John was still enthusiastically discussing his entrepreneurial plans with Donnie!

“I think we don’t need to produce Radium Thorium Water ourselves, we can directly acquire the company that produces it. Furthermore, we can launch radium-infused alcohol, radium cosmetics, radium clothing…

Actually, I think we should buy the patent for radium, become the sole company producing all radium-related products.”

Donnie silently moved further away from John, and by the time John noticed, Donnie was already at least ten meters away.

“Don’t come over!” Donnie loudly stopped John, who wanted to approach him.

I struggled to be reborn, and now that I’ve become a big figure, with one word, thousands serve me, controlling a country’s finance.

If I end up being harmed by such a foolish affair, Donnie feels that even after death, he’d be ashamed to face those pioneers in crossing and rebirth!

“What’s wrong with you?”

John could only shout loudly.

Donnie also shouted back, “Tell me the truth, did you ever use any radium-containing products?”

At that moment, Donnie was genuinely anxious!

He could vaguely see the regret on John’s face, “No, but I came to New York this time planning to buy some radium-containing products to take back for research!”