X-RAY “TORCH.”

Gisborne Times, Volume LX, Issue 9799, 8 May 1924, Page 6

X-RAY “TORCH.”

DANGER TO OPERATOR BANISHED. A new X-rays invention of the first importance has been made by two scientists, Dr Holst and Dr Bouwers, uf Amsterdam, which will have the greatest influence ou future medical progress with the X-rays. It consists of a new tube which generates a powerful beam of X-rays practically like a searchlight. In fact the tube itself is very similar in appearance to a large electric torch. No X-rays emerge from the tube except in the searchlight beams, with the highly important result that there can be absolutely no danger to the operator. It looks (says tiie London Daily Mail) as it the dangers of the ravs had been banished for ever.

The means by which these brilliant inventors have accomplished their work is not easy to describe without technicalities, but in simple language it may be explained that a stream of negative electrons is caused by means of a tiny filament heated to incandescence bv an electric current, and that this draws rays from the positive anode of the tube in a finch - focussed pencil. The rays can he directed on any local spot of the flesh lor treatment with the greatest ease, as, in spite of the high tension of the electric current, the tube can he held quite saiely in the hand. The tube marks a new era in X-ra.vs work of enormous possibilities. The new tube is expected by experts to be likely- to help materially the work that, is going on in the treatment of disease with the rays. It is new definitely known that in many cases the X-ravs treatment can ameliorate cancer and often prove of great value in co-operation with surgery. One of the special benefits of the new tube is the ease with which it can be used for dental work.