Early radiographers frequently looked at their own hands
Today, the X-ray technician is a member of a well-qualified and distinct profession. But the origins of the profession are quite curious, and, of course, closely linked to the discovery and development of X-rays themselves. Today, X-ray technicians work either in diagnostics or treatment. New developments make the work exciting and challenging.
The Development of the X-Ray
Wilhelm Conrad Rontgen is credited with first discovering the X-ray in 1895. The discovery was greeted initially with some skepticism. However, the possibilities were gradually recognized, and Rontgen was awarded the first Nobel prize for physics, in 1901. The apparatus initially was designed by Sir William Crookes and was modified by Herbert Jackson of King's College, London. The modified tube improved the quality of the images. The X-ray was demonstrated not only in scientific and medical meetings but also at fun-fairs.
Doctors Were the First X-Ray Technicians
Early on, X-rays were commonly taken by doctors. Later, untrained helpers were employed. The area of taking X-rays was not looked upon as a specialty, and the dangers of radiation were not recognized. At the Royal Hospital in London, doctors were working on further developing this new imaging. In the meantime, hospitals throughout Britain and Europe were also discovering the uses of X-rays, though, initially, Rontgen had envisioned the main use of X-rays to be industrial rather than medical.
The Dangers of X-Rays
In the late 1890s, three assistants-Reginald Blackall, Ernest Wilson and Harold Saggars--were employed to help at the Royal Hospital. At this early stage, it was common for doctors and others working with X-rays to test the imaging by taking X-rays of their own hands (X-rays of the peripheries were more successful than X-rays of the trunk, which is so much thicker). By 1903, all three assistants had radiation injuries.
Becoming More Safety Conscious
Before Ernest Wilson died of his injuries, he photographed the bone deterioration in his hand. This deterioration became a bone cancer, leading to his death. Blackall and Saggars continued to work at the Royal Hospital, and they helped to found the College of Radiographers. The absence of protection around the first X-ray tubes was now seen to be dangerous as was the habit of people taking X-rays of their own body parts.
Becoming a Profession
As the dangers of X-rays became all too obvious, the need for a properly trained and informed group of technicians became a priority. World War I also furthered the development and use of X-rays in determining soldiers' injuries. Gradually fewer doctors were involved in taking X-rays, and hospitals employed untrained people who learned on the job. Training courses were set up for these workers, and this culminated in the formation of the Society of Radiography in 1920.
Tags: taking X-rays, Royal Hospital, development X-rays, doctors were, Ernest Wilson, taking X-rays their, their hands
