AN X-RAY MARTYR.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 2 March 1926, Page 5

AN X-RAY MARTYR.

DEATH OF A SCIENTIST. A correspondent of the Sydney Morning Herald forwards further particulars of the work of Mr Reginald G. Blackall, a distinguished English scientist, whose death was recently announced by cable. Mr Blackall died, after many years of suffering, a martyr to the' X-ray. In 1923 he lost his left hand, and his right hand six months later. Mr Blackall contracted the disease, X-ray dematitis, during the discharge of his duties as radiographer at London Hospital. He was a pioneer of Rontgen Ray work, and this at a time when the deleterious effects of long exposure to the rays was not realised.

Although one of his fellow-workers lost his life and another both his arms, Mr Blackall persevered in his researches, and contracted carcinoma, which led to the loss of his hands. It is stated that when deceased was busied with hie investigations he was aware that sooner or later his work would cost him his life. As early as 1903 he hacl a finger-nail removed, then three fingers. His condition made it imperative for him to retire from active work in 1920, hut he still, and voluntarily, acted in an advisory capacity.

In 1923 Mr Blackall was awarded the honorary certificate of the Carnegie Hero Fund, with a grant of £75 per annum. Subsequently, at the Quarterly Court of the London Hoenital, it was announced by Lord Knutsford that the hospital had granted Mr Blackall £285 a year, and was insuring bis life. Further, about a year ago, he was the recipient of a public collection amounting to £1247, which enabled him to buv his home.