The Progress of Invention in the Nineteenth Century.Byrn, Edward W. (Edward Wright)
History
The Progress of Invention in the Nineteenth Century.
Byrn, Edward W. (Edward Wright)
Inventions -- History; Inventions -- History -- 19th century
In Fig. 220 is shown an X-Ray tube, as applied for locating a foreign
body in the brain cavity, in which view the patient’s head is interposed
between the X-Ray tube and the fluorescing screen, or photographic
plate, as the case may be; while Fig. 221 shows the application of the
same devices to the body. In both these views the particular form of
X-Ray apparatus is known as the “Fluorometer,” made under the Dennis
Patent, No. 581,540, April 27, 1897, and it is devised with reference to
more accurately locating the foreign object by its shadow, for which
purpose adjustable bracket-sights, seen in Fig. 221 on opposite sides of
the body, are provided for bringing the X-Rays into proper alignment for
projecting the shadow of the foreign body in true indicative position on
the fluorescing screen, while a cross hatched grating behind the body,
graduated in aliquot spaces of an inch, furnishes a measured field, and
forms an easy and quick means of platting the position of said object.
In the position of parts in the two figures the horizontal line, on
which the foreign object lies, would be determined, but it would not
indicate how deep in the object was, _i. e._, whether it was in the
middle, or on one side. To determine this the fluorescing screen and
grating are placed under the patient, and the X-Ray tube above, and the
vertical line of the object is thus obtained. Both the vertical line and
horizontal line having been obtained, it will be obvious that the
foreign object will lie at the intersection of these two lines, which
establishes for the surgeon its definite location.
[Illustration: FIG. 221.--X-RAY APPARATUS APPLIED TO THE BODY.]
It has been observed by Prof. Elihu Thomson, and also by Dr. Kolle, that
the X-Rays are not absorbed and destroyed by the sensitive chemicals of
a single photographic plate, but so potent and penetrating is their
influence that the rays pass through and produce an image on a number of
plates, placed one behind the other, thus affording means for
multiplying the image at one exposure.
Among other uses of the X-Ray may be mentioned its capacity to detect
spurious from genuine gems, the diamond giving a distinct color from its
imitations, as do also most other precious stones.
A peculiar physiological effect of the X-Rays is their capacity to
produce a severe effect on the skin, somewhat resembling sunburn. Such
result, produced by long and continued exposure, has sometimes so
deranged the skin tissues as to make sores that resulted in the entire
loss of and renewal of the skin.
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