This is how German physicist Wilhelm Roentgen accidentally discovered the X-ray
Wilhelm Roentgen was the first Physicist ever to win a Nobel Prize in 1901 for his accidental discovery of the X-ray.
The discoveries and inventions made until today are based on two aspects. The first one is made on a purpose, most often to fulfil a need. The second one is rather a quite interesting one, that is, accidental discoveries and inventions.
Accidental discoveries have been probably path-breaking inventions in the history of mankind. The invention of X-ray is also one such accidental invention. Until this invention was made, health care professionals treated all ailments related to the musculoskeletal system mostly on instinct.
The Accidental invention of the X-Ray
In the year 1895, Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen, a German physicist, was working with a cathode ray generator. He removed the entire air inside the fluorescent tube and then filled it with a unique gas.
When the tube was exposed to a very high electric voltage, it emitted fluorescence. He covered the tube with a black paper and then noticed that a barium-coated screen in his laboratory started to glow. He came to a conclusion that the tube was emitting an unknown invisible light or radiation.
The rays reached the deeper layers that were ever expected. He never thought that it was possible for the radiations to reach such interior and deeper layers crossing the denser particles of the material. He was very much attracted and excited about the new phenomena and decided to work on it.
How the world came to know of X-rays
This invention created a stir among the scientist community and also among the public. It was named as X-radiation mainly because the source of the radiation was unknown.
In newspapers, columnists argued whether "dignified" men were allowed to look at a woman's x-ray photograph. Some ladies purchased lead underwear just to be on the safe side. Shoe stores offered customers the possibility to see their toes while trying on shoes, using an X-ray "pedoscope".
Winning the Nobel Prize in 1901
In a month's time, Roentgen submitted his invention to the Wurzburg physical- medical society. His invention was obviously regarded as a medical miracle.
Though he did not make any patents for the invention of the X radiation, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1901. In fact, he was the first physicist to receive the Nobel Prize.
The other side of X-rays
It wasn't long before X-rays revealed their dark side. At first, no one suspected that the new radiation could be dangerous but in 1897, initial reports on the terrible effects of exposure to X-rays began to appear: skin burns, hair loss, and cancer.
Many tragic cases were reported in the media, and doctors started treating the new radiation with appropriate caution.
Nonetheless, the whole human race must be appreciative for this phenomenal innovation.
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