MYSTERIOUS “Q-RAY”

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 266, 6 August 1937, Page 10

MYSTERIOUS “Q-RAY”

Said to be Treatment for Rheumatism SPECIALISTS PUZZLED Dominion Special Service. Auckland, August 4. Inquiries in Auckland fail to throw any light on the London cablegram iq which the secretary of the National Union of Railwaymen was reported to have hailed “Q-ray” compress treatment for rheumatism and allied complaints as “the boldest and greatest contribution to the health of the people that had been made for a generation.” A radiologist who was asked if he could explain the message said he had never heard of “Q-rays.” Ultra-violet and infra-red light rays had been used in the treatment of rheumatism, and considerable success had been claimed, especially for infra-red rays. The term “Q-rays” seemed to be no more scientific than “X-rays,” which was a popular expression dating back many years to the early researches of Roentgen; and indicating simply that the exact nature of the rays was not then known. Another specialist, who confessed himself equally puzzled, said he suspected that the treatment was being introduced otherwise than through the recognised professional channels of publication. If the usual procedure were being followed there should be no need for a trade union leader to come forward as an advocate of the treatment.