THE WHITE RAY.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21022, 10 May 1930, Page 20

THE WHITE RAY.

1 TRIUMPH OVER X-RAY. A new marvel of surgical invention in the form of a powerful White Ray,, the uses of whjch fair eclipse those belonging to the ordinary . X-ray, has been brought to the aid of surgeons in their battle against disease (states the Sunday Express). Operations will be robbed of half their attendant risks by the use of this invention, which is already part. of the equipment of a number of London hospitals, while in assisting diagnosis, for which it is primarily designed, it has almost incalculable possibilities. It is the discovery ; 'of Dr 'W. J. Cameron, a Scotsman engaged in research work in Chicago, who had the idea of applying the principle of the searchlight to diagnosis. ’ The White Ray is, in effect, a searchlight with a remarkable power of illuminating the soft tissues to a degree which enables doctors to diagnose disease at the earliest stage. ’ Changes caused by infection, which would be imperceptible to the X-ray can thus be detected before they reach a critical stage of development, an enormous advantage where there is reason to suspect dangerous growths or abscesses. The lamp transmitting the ray is easily sterilised, and can be used in ,the operating theatre to illumine tissues on which the surgeon is engaged. It can be used in this way for eye, ear, and throat troubles, and for mastoids, and can be employed in major operations. Dentists who havi used thr ray rtnd it of the greatest -alue in reevaling the presence of pyorrhea, which frequently remains unsuspected owing to the lack of outward symptoms. Dr Cameron has also to his credit the invention of an electric knife - which is really a "live”, wire—by means of which absolutely aseptic in. cisions, involving a minimum loss of blood, and resulting in a practically in visible scar on healing can be made. Used in connection with the Whit* Rqy, it enormously increases th» accuracy and efficiency of surgical work. There Is only one of these electric knives in London.