Radium ore Revigator

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Revigorator

Radium Ore Revigator was a type of water crock that was popular in the early 20th century for its supposed health benefits. Marketed as a way to radiumize water, the Revigator was part of the radiotherapy craze that swept through the United States and other parts of the world during the 1920s and 1930s. The product is a prime example of the era's fascination with radiation and its perceived health benefits, despite the lack of scientific evidence to support such claims and the potential health risks involved.

History

The Radium Ore Revigator was invented in the early 1920s by R.W. Thomas. It was manufactured and sold by the Radium Ore Revigator Company, based in San Francisco, California. The product was advertised as a means to restore the radioactive elements that were believed to be removed from water during purification processes. The company claimed that by using the Revigator, individuals could enjoy the health benefits associated with drinking naturally radioactive mineral water, which was popular at various health spas of the time.

Design

The Revigator was made from a type of uranium ore and lined with cement, which was impregnated with carnotite, a uranium and vanadium ore that emits radon gas. Users were instructed to fill the crock with water overnight, which would then be "charged" with radon gas and trace amounts of other radioactive elements by morning. The water, now supposedly imbued with health-giving properties, was recommended for daily consumption.

Health Claims and Criticism

The Radium Ore Revigator was marketed with a wide range of health claims. Advertisements suggested that drinking radium-enriched water could cure a host of ailments, including arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure, and even impotence. However, these claims were not supported by scientific evidence, and the product was eventually criticized by the medical community for being dangerous and ineffective.

Legacy

The Radium Ore Revigator is now considered a cautionary tale in the history of health fraud. The widespread use of the device and the public's enthusiasm for radioactive products reflect the early 20th century's optimism about the potential of science and technology to improve human health, often without sufficient understanding of the risks involved. Today, the Revigator is of interest to collectors of quack medical devices and serves as a reminder of the importance of skepticism and scientific evidence in evaluating health products.

See Also

• Radiotherapy
• Health fraud
• Quackery
• Radiation poisoning