ABSTRACT
The discovery of X-rays in 1895 by Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen transformed our understanding of both the physical world and our understanding of ourselves. Traditional anatomy as shown by Andreas Vesalius was learnt from dissection of the supine deceased body. Radiology showed anatomy in the living in a manner previously not possible, and has transformed our anatomical understanding, particularly of human growth and variation.
Subject(s)
Radiography/history , Radiology/history , Europe , History, 19th Century , History, 20th Century , Humans , United States , X-RaysABSTRACT
Following the discovery of X-rays in 1895 by Wilhelm Röntgen the value to the military surgeon of the new technique was soon realised. The localisation of retained bullets by radiography avoided inappropriate exploration of the wound. The X-rays were first used on casualties from the Abyssinian War of 1896 and the developing radiological technology was progressively applied to military surgery. In addition the needs of warfare stimulated the development of all aspects of radiology.
