The Rontgen Rays.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXII, Issue 6791, 16 January 1897, Page 4

The Rontgen Rays.

' Mr Edison, it is stated, is indignant at the statements published of his having promised to give sight to the blind within the next throe years by means of the Roatgen rays. The report of a successful u e of X rays in the case of a blind patient came from California. Hearing of this, he tried experiments upon two patients, but without success. He still believes, however, that numbers of sight-' less persons, in cases where the optic nerve is intact, might receive impressions by the X rays, and even be able to read by means of stencil letters. Nevertheless, at present this is only a hypothesis. Mr Chas. Rouss, one of the richest men in New York, and who is totally blind,' has made a public offer to pay Edison L 200,000 if he could restore his sight. Mr Rouss say*: "If Edison thinks he is able to cure me, I will go to bis laboratory, and remain there a year if necessary. If anyone is able to do this, Edison is the man, for he is a scientist! and a genius. I am anxioasly: awaiting the result of hi 3 tests. The cause of my blindness is atrophy of the optio nerve, and I really believe a cure is possible,' and it only remains for some genius'to discover a method. I understand that some wonderful work has been done with tho Ro.itgen rays in England and France, and, possibly, the men who are doing this mr\y bo able to secure the L 200.000 I offer." Edison Is working, constantly at the Itoitgen rayß to effect his core, and hopes to be able to experiment with Sir R ■juss within a month. - j