PIERCE WALLS.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 26 November 1924, Page 3

PIERCE WALLS.

WONDERS OF NEW EX-RAY. KEY TO MANY MYSTERIES. The discovery of hidden treasure, the detection of contraband, however carefully concealed, and absolutely foolproof X-ray photography are some of the developments that will follow Dr. W. D. Coolidge’s invention of a portable X-ray apparatus in England. It weights 30 fl>, is no larger than a wireless battery and more compact, and is worked by ordinary electric light current. The new X-ray “camera” has an enormous advantaged-over its cumbersome predecessors, since it can easily be taken anywhere and everywhere. Whereas previously whatever was t’o be examined had to be taken to the rays, now the rays can come to it. The many complicated “gadgets” necessary to their use, too, have been abolished. The' apparatus is enclosed in a neat little case with a lead cone for concentrating the rays. The operator has only to connect it with an ordinary electrical plug and it is ready for use. “Seeing through a brick wall” with this apparatus is an easy operation. Thousands of secret cupboards, some okl treasure, are known to be in existence in this country, but most efforts to . trace their location has been fruitless.

Now, however, the X-rays can clear uplthe mysteries of centuries. The operator holding the apparatus stands on one side of the wall. On the other is the observer, who holds a flourescent screen before which a film is placed. When the rays are projected on the wall they reveal on the ‘ film. any differences in its density caused by a cavity. If coins or metal objects are hidden in it they would immediately appear on the film. Another romantic possibility of this wonderful instrument concerns the subterfuges of the smuggler. If, for instance. contraband were hidden in a bale of wool, the mysterious “eyes” in the little box would pierce through the hiding place and reveal the presence of something within. Plumbers who wish to locate hidden pipes in walls, and dentists who desire to make a photograph of the teeth of their clients will benefit equally.