The first 50 years of x-ray history: nuns, shoe salesmen, and more

X-rays were a big discovery, sparking over 125 years of scientific innovation in the fields of healthcare, biology, space exploration, and even the arts. The first 50 years of x-ray history are particularly fascinating. Here are five items of interest ranging from 1895 to the mid-20th century.

1895 - Röntgen

German physicist Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen accidentally discovered the x-ray on Nov. 8, 1895 while experimenting with cathode rays. After experimenting with photographic plates and objects of different thicknesses, he enlisted the help of his wife to produce the first ever “röntgenogram,” an image of her hand. 

1914 - Little Curies

Mobile radiography units were invented during World War I for use by army surgeons on the battlefield. Named “Little Curies” after their inventor, Marie Curie, vehicles outfitted with x-ray machines and equipment were sent to the frontlines to help doctors remove bullets and guide surgeries. 

1927 - Scan Sisters

37% of radiologic technologists were nuns in 1927. Catholic hospitals were pioneers in establishing early X-ray departments, with nuns often running the departments and teaching the technology.

 

1928 - Fluoroscopes

In the 20s, shoe salesmen began advertising high-tech fluoroscopes to help customers select shoes by peering into a hole at the top of the machine to view x-rays of their own feet. In the 1950s, it was finally determined they exposed the customers and store clerks to unsafe amounts of radiation.

 

1946 - Bone Music

For decades, popular foreign music was only available in the Soviet Union via the black market. Records known as “Bone Music” or “Ribs” were cut by bootleggers on discarded x-ray film.