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History of X-ray technology

Last reviewed: March 31, 2013 ~3 min read

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Wilhelm Rontgen is generally accepted as the person responsible for having discovered X-rays in 1895 in spite of the fact that a series of individuals had been involved in researching the phenomena in years preceding his studies. Even with this, Rontgen is provided with more consideration because he was the first to actually play an active role in studying this concept. The first X-ray picture illuminated the bones in Mrs. Rontgen's hand, practically creating a precedent for what was going to become the medical X-ray machine. These rays have apparently been called X as a result of their strange nature, as Rontgen was practically astonished as a result of seeing them. The German physicist received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1901 as a result of his important contribution to the world of medicine.

While Rontgen is basically the person who discovered X-ray technology, there have been numerous historical figures who were involved in setting the grounds for this discovery. Many of his predecessors failed to understand the complex nature of X-ray technology and thus did not attempt to study them even further.

Nicola Tesla used electron tubes with the purpose of creating high voltage systems that accelerated electrons to very high speeds. "TESLA has produced many photographs with his powerful electron tubes but despite of some sharp shadows on his photo plates he did not recognize the new kind of X-rays, which later has been reported by ROENTGEN" (Waser 4). Many individuals actually believe that Tesla would have received the Nobel Prize for inventing X-rays if he were to concentrate more on the concept. This is but one of the many experiments that Tesla was involved in and eventually came to be associated with other physicists because of his failure to comprehend the importance of his contribution to the world of science (Waser 4).

X-ray machines virtually involve a stream of fast electrons that reach a sudden stop once they interact with a metal plate. The fact that calcium in bones absorbs X-rays at a larger level in comparison to soft tissue or air makes it possible for bones to appear white in X-ray photographs. This is also why lungs typically appear to be black, as they contain air.

It is particularly intriguing that people did not immediately realize the medical importance of X-rays. "People were interested in seeing "pictures" of their bones and within months, it became a popular offshoot of photography studios" (History of the X-ray Technician Career). A series of physicians, however, realized that the technology could play a particularly important role in diagnosing and treating injuries or disease. This was an important moment in medical history, as the invention practically revolutionized the world of medicine and provided doctors with an important tool they could use with the purpose of making society a safer place.

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References
2 sources cited in this paper
  • • Waser, Andre, “Nikola TESLA’s Radiations and the Cosmic Rays”, Retrieved March 31, 2013, from the Andre Waser Website: http://www.andre-waser.ch/Publications/NikolaTeslasRadiationsAndCosmicRays.pdf
  • • “History of the X-ray Technician Career”, Retrieved March 31, 2013, from the Anthem Education Website: http://anthem.edu/x-ray-technician-school/history/
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PaperDue. (2013). History of X-ray technology. PaperDue. https://www.paperdue.com/essay/history-of-x-ray-technology-87138

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