11.03.06
Radiation Part Tre–The Fascination with X-ray
In part three of my posts on radiation, I would like to shift away from the scientific aspects of radiation for a moment and instead look at how the public was receiving the new discovery of x-ray radiation.
After the discovery of x-ray in November of 1895, and the subsequent publication of its discovery, it didn’t take long for the public to incorporate it into society as another advance in modern technology. New discoveries and inventions were eagerly embraced as the U.S. newpaper headlines heralded in mid-January 1896, “NEW LIGHT SEES THROUGH FLESH TO BONES!” “HIDDEN SOLIDS REVEALED!!” Articles such as these were accompanied by line-drawings of Roentgen’s radiographs and detailed diagrams on generation of the rays. Within a week, demonstrations were being set up at colleges, in high schools, and in public venues. In as little as 6 months time, in April 1896, and with virtually little understanding of the properties of x-ray, the x-ray was on it’s way into the lives and homes of Americans. In May 1896, Thomas Edison held public demonstrations of x-rays at the National Electrical Exposition in New York using his “Edison Vitascope Fluoroscopy Unit.” This allowed anyone to have a chance to see his or her own bones. Edison was not alone in his fascination with x-rays and soon x-ray devices were widely available. Special X-ray outfits at low prices meant that anyone could make an “X-ray picture.” Studios opened to take “bone portraits.” Poems about the X-ray appeared in popular journals. The metaphorical use of the rays found them popping up in political cartoons, short stories, and advertising. Private detectives touted the use of Roentgen devices in following unfaithful spouses, and lead underwear was manufactured to foil attempts at peeking with “X-ray glasses.” By the turn of the century, radium was considered to be more valuable than either gold or platinum.
According to an article entitled, The Remarkable Radium “Liquid Sunshine” Fad and it’s Deadly Consequences, “Radium or radon laced water was called ‘liquid sunshine’ because it was believed to be a magical elixir that could promote health and prolong life by rejuvenating effects that provided a host of widespread benefits. Radium was added to toothpaste, hair tonic and candy and incorporated as part of the brand name of numerous items whether they contained it or not.” 
More atomic brand names can be viewed here.
Radioactive drinking water was readily available, along with other products and devices used for an array of ailments such as arthritis, pain, and fatigue, as well as other conditions. Items such as “Radithor” “did” contain radium, as well as many other products such as suppositories, bath salts, lotions, condoms, and more.
Department stores began using x-ray devices by which the feet could be viewed inside shoes. The apparatus to the right is a Shoe-Fitting Fluoroscope (ca. 1930-1940). Written accounts describe these shoe-fitting fluoroscopes as major attractions for children to be able to peer at their feet within their shoes for a mere 5 cents.
Even poems included references to x-rays as a would-be poet wrote,
Not worth your while
That false, sweet smile,
Which o’er your features plays:Thy heart of steel
I can reveal
By my cathodic rays!
Since it was discovered that radium added to paints glowed in the dark, various items such as watches and clock dials were painted with radium. Many women were employed in painting watches with radium by hand.
Not only was the general public enamoured by the new discovery of x-rays, but the potential uses of x-rays also captured the interest of the medical community. Thomas Edison, although unsuccesful in this endeavor, proposed and set out to work on an x-ray device from which the living brain could be studied. William Randolph Hearst was to be his subject. X-rays were soon used to diagnose fractures and locate bullets. And for a time was also thought to cure many ailments from cancer to ringworm. X-ray was vogue.
My post on radiation part 2 can be viewed here.
My post on radiation part 1 can be viewed here.
Marlakins 
