Akira Nakahira (avn5137), Hemiao Yu (Hyy5081), Zixin Ni (Zon5008), Xuanrui Liu
(xil5143), Zhihao Zhang(zqz5090)
Physics 001
Dr. Kirstin Purdy Drew
7th October, 2011
Introduction to X ray
X-ray is considered as one of the revolutionary discoveries in 19th century.
Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen, the finding father of x-ray caused a great sensation around
the world. X ray is applied in wide selection of areas: Astronomy, medical, Chemistry etc.
Many major discoveries and inventions were supported by the use of X rays, assisting the
development of human technology and understanding of our surroundings. It also brought
numerous convinces and benefit to the society, preventing many potential diseases and
dangers.
The discovery of X-ray can be considered in fact an accident:
In the winter of the year of his fiftieth birthday, and the year
following his appointment to the leadership of the
University of Würzburg, Rector Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen
noticed a barium platinocyanide screen fluorescing in his
laboratory as he generated cathode rays in a Crookes tube
some distance away. (Assmus 1)
The glow effect meters away on the screen surprised him because Cathode ray can only
travel several centimeters in air. He considered the glow as a phenomenon of a new form
of ray. For the next few weeks, he generated many experiments to certify his hypothesis
and on 29th December 1895, the discovery was spread by news:
Roentgen delivered the news on the 28th of December 1895.
Emil Warburg relayed it to the Berlin Physical Society on
the 4th of January. The next day the Wiener Press carried
the news, and the day following word of Roentgen’s
discovery began to spread by telegraph around the world.
(Assmus 2)
The discovery of X ray soon impacts the world. X-ray had a characteristic of picturing
the solids. It brought a revolution to the medical society. The New York Times predicted
that “transformation of modern surgery by enabling the surgeon to detect the presence of
foreign bodies.” (Jan. 16, 1896, p. 9). The society had a great expectation on the
application of X rays.
The application of X-ray brought tremendous benefits to the society. The only
means doctors could discover any problems with organs before it was discovered were by
past experience, simple medical tools and symptoms. Many diseases, however, hardly
had symptom that can be observed with eyes. Consequently, wrong diagnoses based on
few observations was matter of fact in the medical field. The society urgently needed a
more advanced and sophisticated tool to assist them in observing patients. Just as The
New York Times predicted, X ray pictured the inside of patients’ bodies, enabling doctors
to find any swellings or cancer. It lowered the potential risk of any diseases featuring
organs.
The benefit of X ray was not only limited in the medical area. The amazing
analytical skill created a 3-dimentional picture for Dr. Max Ferdinand Perutz and Dr.
John Cowdery Kendrew, 1962 Nobel Prize in Chemistry winner to analyze the first
atomic structure of Globular Proteins (Physical 6)
The discovery of X ray is a milestone in 19th century. It promoted the science to a
new higher level and is certain that the potential of use of X ray has not yet been fully
discovered. The blueprint of its delight future is exciting. X ray will continue benefit the
research equipment and medical technology.
Works Cited:
ASSMUS, Alexi. Early History of X Rays. Publication. Stanford University, 28 June
1999. Web. 6 Oct. 2011. .
"Physical Methods in Inorganic Chemistry First Half: Crystallograph." Ocw.mit.edu. MIT,
Spring. 2008. Web. 6 Oct. 2011. .