THE EARLY HISTORY OF X-RAY-DIAGNOSIS WITH EMPHASIS ON THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF PHYSICS 1895-1915

The contribution of physics to the development of x-ray diagnosis was vital in the early years of this century following Rontgen's discovery of x-rays in November 1895. This review records some of the highlight s during the period 1895-1915. Much of the information presented has b een buried in libraries for more than 50 years and the selection of il lustrations and text will be largely unknown to today's readership of Physics in Medicine and Biology. It is also a celebration of what coul d be achieved in physics before the occurrence of the technological re volution involving not only computer applications but also the disappe arance of the small independent x-ray companies into today's multinati onal companies. Research and development is nowadays just too expensiv e for much independent practical high-technology contributions without financial backing. Hence this review takes us to those bygone years o f experimental physics in home laboratories, poorly equipped universit y physics laboratories and of the lecture-demonstrations of the period . The sections are presented in a logical order beginning with the dis covery of x-rays, followed by x-ray tube technology to the advent of t he hot cathode Coolidge tube, with the third and final section coverin g diagnostic radiology physics. It has been compiled from personal res earch over 35 years in libraries worldwide, drawing on textbooks, jour nals, popular magazines, newspapers, x-ray company catalogues and muse um exhibits. I have included a certain amount of anecdotal information , because after all, much of the early commentaries were indeed anecdo tal-and make very interesting reading. Finally it is commented that al though this review is devoted to x-ray diagnosis, x-ray therapy should not be forgotten, and readers are referred to another review by the a uthor on early therapeutic advances.