
Since those
comparatively early days - although they are less than 50
years ago - the picture has changed. Dr.
Coolidge and many others have
improved the X-ray tubes to the point where we can see flaws hidden
deep in a block of steel up to a foot thick. The X-ray is as necessary
to a modern diagnosis as an anesthetic is to surgery. In fact, in just
one clinic 15,000 routine examinations were made last year. The X-ray
is an all important section of metallurgy and is used in factories to
inspect castings as well as in hospitals to help save lives.
We often hear some people say there are no new
frontiers - our
knowledge is complete. But just as Columbus opened up a new physical
world when he discovered America, Röntgen opened the door to a new
world of scientific development when he uncovered the X-ray. How many
of these new worlds, these new frontiers of science, are as yet
undiscovered we do not know. Only time and our patient search can
answer that.
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