|
Date:
[start date?]
[end date?]
Location:
[location?]
Description
An x-ray is an electromagnetic radiation [1]of short wavelengths[2] produced when high-speed electrons[3] strike a solid target. It is a radiogram[4] made by exposing photographic film to X rays, and is used in medical diagnosis. Its wave length is about 1,000 times smaller than a light wave, which makes it easier to penetrate low-dense materials like flesh, but they get reflected or in some cases absorbed by the high-dense materials, like bones. How and why have x-rays changed since 1914? First created in 1895, they have become more advanced and safer with our modern day technology. Having learned more about them throughout the century we have updated them to safer machines that can be used for medical purposes.
The first x-ray ever taken was of a womans left hand. Her name was Frau Röntgen and she was the wife of the man who invented the x-ray. November 8, 1895 was when Wilhelm Röntgen, a German scientist, came across his version of an x-ray. Using a cathode tube[5] covered with a light-proof cardboard jacket and a screen of fluorescent material placed on a table a couple feet away from the setup, Röntgen was able to successfully x-ray his wifes hand. After experimenting around for about eight weeks he tried to x-ray a lead disk that he was holding. In the picture that came out, the outline of his thumb and forefinger appeared, which is where he got the idea to x-ray his wifes hand. The name “x-ray” was created because he wasn't sure what types of rays he was experimenting with and referred to them as “x” rays in his notes and publishings, and the name immediately stuck.
Using x-rays for medical purposes was immediately established, however some, who didn't understand the x-ray machines ability fully, thought that it had the power to look through walls and doors. This caused some panic between 1895 and 1900, and was thought of as an end of privacy. In 1901 people started to learn more about this new invention and Wilhelm received the Nobel prize[6] for his discovery of these new rays.
The x-ray machine has not really changed after 1914, WWI, however peoples' knowledge about it and how it was used had changed. People had learned it was very useful when it came to broken bones, searching for a foreign object, or dental work. By 1970 the average American would receive at least one x-ray a year from a physician or dentist. They have also recently learned that an over exposure to these rays could lead to the development of cancer, which had many doctors suggesting that x-rays should only be administered if they were absolutely necessary. Ironically after they had discovered that a lot of exposure to x-rays causes leukemia[7], they discovered that therapy for this condition includes an exposure to these rays. They called it radiotherapy, which used high frequency x-rays that destroyed the cancer cells.
In conclusion x-rays have not really changed since WWI but peoples knowledge and how they are used has changed. X-rays are small wavelengths that penetrate low-density material and they were discovered by Wilhelm Röntgen. After people learned more about these machines people were getting yearly x-rays. Once it was discovered that too much exposure to these rays causes cancer they only gave them if it was absolutely necessary.
Memories
Nobody has recorded any memories here.
Enter your memory here:
Login to add your own memory.
|
Photos
There are no photos for SKHS/X-RAYS.
Public Bulletin Board
There are no messages yet.
Click here to add a note for others working on SKHS/X-RAYS.
|
