Happy Birthday X-Ray

November 8, 1895



Today we celebrate the 115th birthday of the discovery of X-rays by Wilhelm Roentgen.  He was conducting experiments with a Crookes' tube and produced a radiograph of his wife, Bertha's, hand.    These early exposures were reported to take 15 minutes of exposure.  When contrasted with today's exposure time on a hand measured in milliseconds, we can be greatful for all the advances in technology to increase radiation protection. 
We also want to remember Clarence Daly.  He was the first known fatality due to xray exposure.  Clarence worked as an assistant to Thomas Edison.  They repeatedly exposed themselves  to xrays while conducting experiments.  These prolonged, excessive exposures resulted in Daly developing radiation burns, skin carcinomas, amputations, radiation poisoning, and death.  Edison immediately stopped all his experimentation following his colleagues death.  These "radiation martyrs", as well as many others, helped pave the way for our current radiation protection standards. We can thank these men for our safety today!
Happy Birthday X-Ray!!
Jana Montgomery Moen, B.A., R.T.(R), ARRT, ASRT

Bertha Roentgens' Hand