The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-07-19

boy learned to make out letters that were
radiumgraphed on the screen. The letters
were about three inches high and some three
inches apart To-day my little pupil can
read words composed of letters.
THAT much demonstrated. the physiology
cal aspects of radium should be examined
into. According to my own observations, its
impress organisms has three different
periods. The first is more or less latent; at
least, L could perceive of visible changes.
During the second period the organisms
seem to be in sort of inflamed state, not
always patent to the eye, yet requiring close
examination. The third period is that of de-
struction more or less far-reaching, accord
ing to the intensity of the radium rays en-
ployed. This indicates that radium rays,
when we completely understand them, will
lend themselves to various medical purposes
inasmuch as a gradual scale of exposure
may be established, the result depending
upon time and the quantity and quality of
the radium used Furthermore, 1 ascer-
tanned that the influence of radium rays on
organisms depends. in a large measure, on
the nature Of things coming in contact with
the metal.
II have not yet found thing, organism or
object, that is not, in some way, influenced
by an exposure to radium rays. Our expert
ments embraced Seed bacteria, cells of
animal eggs, frogs spawn, guinea pigs, rab-
bits and human beings. The latter, as well
as the rest, showed considerable irritation
under the rays. We have reason to believe
that certain plant and animal seed does not
develop under radium rays; leaves lose their
healthy green color. etc. 1 subjected the skin
of a guinea pig, of a rabbit and a young
man TO radium rays, and during the first
three days observed no change; on the
fourth day the skin looked inflamed swell
ing appeared and finally an open wound of
the kind known in medicine as ulcus ne
crodicum. This latter has so far defied all
attempts at healing.
KILLED WHITE MICE.
"a most Interesting observation was made
on dozen white mice, placed in a glass jar
put a small box of radium, incased in
pasteboard and metal. The mice enjoyed
themselves for twice twenty-four hours.
After that they exhibited signs of distress,
lying listlessly on their backs. On the fifth
day, all were dead. Investigation proved that
every one of the rodents died of paralysis of
the breathing centers. Radium's influence on
the skin suggests that it may be a powerful
aid of medicine in curing skin diseases.
Several of my medical friends are expert
menting on the lines indicated. and on lupus
the results, so far, have been very encourag-
ing.
Another interesting fact: subjected the
unfructified egg cell of a lower animal to
radium rays, and it began to develop. In the
case of rabbits, L observed that their coat
improved on the side subjected to radium
rays. In short, l altogether hopeful
that radium may do for many things
heretofore considered impossible. Too bad
that it is so scarce and expensive as to be
without reach for the poor blind, especially.
Perhaps the state will help them. now that
their future begins to look bright / certain
~ think that the blind mans chances for
getting back his sight acquiring it. have
immeasurably improved since the discovery
of radium. In this respect, let no be
discouraged by reports of experiments that
failed. Those described by the writer were
entirely successful and the minutes of the
case are at the disposal of all interested.
Eye specialists of all nations should at once
begin experimenting with radium.