In 1895, Wilhelm Roentgen discovered X-rays while experimenting with cathode ray tubes. He noticed a plate glowing in a dark room even when the tube was covered, leading him to take the first X-ray photo of his wife's hand. Roentgen could not explain the nature of these new rays, so he called them X-rays. In 1901, Roentgen received the Nobel Prize in Physics for his discovery. X-rays revolutionized medicine by allowing doctors to see inside the body. Later advances like CT scans provided more detailed 3D views of organs.

1. April 17, 2011

2. I n 1895, German physicist Wilhelm Roentgen (1845-1923) experimented with a cathode ray tube This tube made it possible to screen through human tissue leaving the bones and metals visible to the “naked-eye” (“X-ray, n.d.). Copyright 2010 by The Nobel Foundation

3. Cathode ray tube Copyright 2011 by crtsite.com

4. Roentgen used a plate of Barium Platino-Cyanide (fluorescent crystals) on a table six feet away in his workroom, and when he activated the tube, it glowed (The Cathode Ray Tube Site, n.d.) . Even after covering the tube with black cardboard, it kept glowing (The Cathode Ray Tube Site, n.d.) .

5. As a result, Roentgen used a a photographic plate and took his first x-ray picture. The picture was his wife's (Anna) hand which clearly revealed her wedding ring and her bones. Copyright 2011 by Afflictor.com

6. For this miraculous discovery, Roentgen admitted that he did not know the precise nature of these new rays. From his experiment, this is how he named this phenomena—the "X-ray” (since "X" is the mathematical symbol for the unknown (“X-ray, n.d.)).

7. In 1901, Roentgen was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics “ in recognition of the extraordinary services he has rendered by the discovery of the remarkable rays subsequently named after him” (The Nobel Prize in Physics 1901, 2010) .

8. The news of discovery spread quickly throughout the world-scientist everywhere duplicated his experiment, and was clinically used to in the U.S. (“X-ray, n.d.). This was the landmark discovery was recognized as a development of medicine (medical diagnostic tool).

9. X-ray was not sophisticated and had limitations. The internal structures were imposed on each other Lack of depth Scientists developed methods with use of computers that made it possible for advance innovation.

10. In early 1970 Godfrey Hounsfield and Allen Cormack developed Computer tomography (CT). Between 1974 and 1976 First clinical CT scanners were installed (original systems were dedicated to head imaging only). In1976 “ Whole body” systems with larger patient openings became available.

11. By about 1980 CT became widely available. In the early 1980’s A couple of hospitals in Lebanon (including AUBMC) acquired this technology. Today More than 6,000 CT scanners installed in the U.S. and more than 30,000 installed worldwide (Mostafa, 2007).

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13. Copyright 2010 by Slate.com

14. With advancement of technology in the 21 st century, the scans have revolutionized medical imaging and higher resolution (producing three-dimensional views of organs and other tissues), speed, and patient comfort (“Problematic medical scans,” 2007). The scans have become undeniably of great value in helping doctors diagnose just what is causing a patient's illness or pain (“Problematic medical scans,” 2007).

15. Hodgson, W. E. [Artist]. (2011). [Untitled drawing of Professor Roentgen at work]. Retrieved on April 4, 2011, from http://www.crtsite.com/image/roentgen%20at%20work.jpg Mostafa, G. (2007). Quick history about the CT scanner and its uses . Retrieved from http://www.syndicateofhospitals.org.lb/magazine/issue-1/Page%2040-042.pdf Problematic medical scans . (2007 November 30). New York Times . pg. A.22 Retrieved from http://proquest.umi.com.mutex.gmu.edu/pqdweb?index=4&did=1390829971&SrchMode=2&sid=6&Fmt=3&VInst=PROD&VType=PQD&RQT=309&VName=PQD&TS=1297038331&clientId=31810

16. Roentgen. (2010). Retrieved on April 2, 2011, from http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/physics/laureates/1901/rontgen-bio.html# Roentgen Wife Hand. (2011). Retrieved on March 6, 2011, from http://afflictor.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Roentgen_wife_hand.jpg The cathode ray tube site .(n.d.). Retrieved on April 10, 2011, from http://www.crtsite.com/page5.html The nobel prize in physics 1901 . (2010). Nobelprize.org. Retrieved from http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/physics/laureates/1901/ T

17. [Untitled photograph of body scanner]. (2010). Retrieved from http://a.abcnews.com/images/Health/nm_ct_scan_100708_mn.jpg [Untitled photograph of body scanner]. (2010). Retrieved on March 6, 2011, from http://www.slate.com/id/2273844/ X-ray . (n.d.). Retrieved on February 6 ,2011, from http://www.discoveriesinmedicine.com/To-Z/X-ray.html