Wilhelm Konrad Roentgen: a new kind of rays

Wilhelm Konrad Roentgen presented a preliminary report on his discovery of x-rays in 1895. In his initial experiments with these rays, he had taken a radiograph of his wife's hand. This picture immediately implied a medical use for the new discovery by demonstrating the bones of the hand. Various aspects of medical treatment were soon revolutionized by the technique of radiography. There were concerns expressed by the medical community regarding the use of x-rays. Many of these concerns regarded deficiencies that were subsequently overcome by technical improvements, resulting in a higher quality of radiographs. However, the benefit of ever-improving radiographic techniques is undergoing greater scrutiny regarding its cost and utility.