An overview of the technical developments in and growth of the diagnos
tic use of x rays over the century since their discovery is presented.
The major developments described include the introduction of the hot
cathode x-ray tube, the Potter-Bucky grid, the image intensifier, the
computerized tomographic scanner, and the adoption of the digital comp
uter for image processing, display, and storage. Other significant but
smaller advances discussed include improved film/screen technology, t
he rotating anode tube, linear tomography, and some recent advances in
image receptors.