Radium
Radium (so named by its discoverer) is a metallic element of great weight, non-existent in a free state, but extracted in minute quantities from pitchblende (uraninite). It is 100,-000 times greater in radioactivity than uranium, its nearest competitor. Radium gives forth three kinds of rays known as alpha, beta, and gamma rays. The first two are emitted with great velocity, especially the alpha rays. Both are charged with negative electricity, but the beta rays have greater penetrative power than the alpha. The gamma rays are not electrically charged particles, as arc the other two rays, but waves very similar to, perhaps identical with, x-rays. They have great penetrative power and are not deflected by a magnet as are the other two. A very minute portion of x’adium will give off these rays without its OAvn reduction for “ages.”