RADIOLOGICAL SCIENCES, PAST AND PRESENT

Few observations can have been as rapidly and widely disseminated in m edicine as the diagnostic X-ray (radiograph). The first few decades af ter Rontgen's discovery saw technical developments that made radiograp hy more practical, quicker, safer for both imager and patient, and abl e to achieve greater contrast. This article reviews the history of ima ging but it also looks to the future and begins to open up some of the issues that radiology faces In the 21st century-issues that the next six articles in this Lancef series will enlarge upon. The conventional radiograph remains the most common medical image but a host of new te chniques have come along. Are they research tools, clinical methods, o r both-and how, in an age of sensitivity about the costs of health car e, do they stand up?