This tin container held forty-two tablets of "genuine radium." At the time of manufacture (ca. 1922-1927), it only cost one dollar. Most of the tablets have broken open although a few are still intact. The manufacturer, Associated Radium Chemists, Inc. of New York, stated, "Take two tablets with glass of water before or after each meal. To derive the most beneficial effects, ARIUM should be taken regularly as directed."

Associated Radium Chemists, Inc. was a William J. Bailey operation - the first of his many companies, all short-lived, that sold radium containing nostrums. Unfortunately, not all of Bailey's products were as harmless as Arium. The most infamous was Radithor, a radium-containing solution that was responsible for the death of Eben Byers.

"Recent investigation shows that the "pep" energy, endurance and nerve force of the average man past 40 may often be increased by 100 per cent by getting into his system the marvelous restorative radium power of Arium." (Zanesville Signal. December 2, 1926).

"Is rheumatism dragging you into old age? How radium reduces inflammation, relieves pain and renews the energy and vigor of youth - Arium now recommended by leading physicians as the new harmless way to obtain radium for internal use. $5,000 reward if they fail." (Newark Ohio Advocate. February 16, 1923). Notice the decrease in the amount of the reward?

"Radium ends agony of rheumatism. Neuritis, neuralgia and gout. Say doctors - How Arium - radium in simple harmless tablets often bring amazingly quick and lasting relief to even seemingly hopeless cases. $5,000,000 reward if they fail." (Newark Ohio Advocate. February 9, 1923).

Although Arium was their signature product, Associated Radium Chemists also produced Linarium (a liniment), Ointarium (an ointment), Dentarium (a dentifrice), and Kaparium (a hair tonic), Dax (for coughs) and Clax (for infuenza).

The company operated from 1922 (or so) through 1927 and were located at 461 Eighth Avenue in New York City. It is possible that the company might have begun operations as early as 1920 - one booklet for Arium Tablets has the following (date?) on it: 8-25-20 9841. There was also an Associated Radium Chemists office in Baltimore.

The last advertisement I have found for the tablets was from 1927.

The ad to the right is the earliest I have found for Arium Tablets. It appeared in the November 2, 1922 issue of the East Liverpool Evening Review.