THE WHITE RAY

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 81, 5 April 1930, Page 20

THE WHITE RAY

Triumph Over X- Ray

A new marvel of surgical invention in the form of a powerful White Ray, the uses of which far eclipse those belonging to the ordinary X-ray, has been brought to tho aid of surgeons in their battle against disease (states the "Sunday Express"). Operations will bo robbed of half their attendant risks, by the use of this invention, which is already part of the equipment of a number of London hospitals, while in assisting diagnosis, for which it is, primarily designed, it has almost incalculable possibilities. •It is the discovery of Dr. W. J. Cameron, a Scotsman engaged in research work in Chicago, who had the idea of applying the principle of the searchlight to diagnosis. The White Ray is, in effect, a searchlight with a remarkable power of illuminating the soft tissues to a degree which enables doctors to diagnose disease at the earliest stage. Changes caused by infection, which would be imperceptible to the X-ray can thus be .detected before they reach a critical stage of development, an enormous advantage where there is reason to suspect dangerous growths or abscesses. The lamp transmitting the ray is easily sterilised, and can be used in the operating theatre to illumine tissues on which the surgeon is engaged. It can be used in this way for eye, ear, and throat troubles, and for mastoids, and can be employed * in major operations. Dentists who have used the ray find it of the greatest value in revealing the presence of pyorrhoea, which frequently remains unsuspected owing to the lack of outward symptoms. Dr. Cameron has also to his credit the invention of the electric knife— which is really a "live" wire—by means of which absolutely aseptic incisions, involving a minimum loss of blood, and resulting in a practically invisible scar on healing can be made. Used in connection with tho White Ray, it enormously increases the accuracy and efficiency of surgical work.

There is only 0110 of these electric knives in London.