American X-ray journal

152356

LIBRARY OF THE

LEGE OF PHYSICIANS

OF PHILADELPHIA

L— —

D)0(c

Vol. 9. No. I

X

July, 1901.

THE AMERICAN

X-RAY
JOURNAL.

D)0(c

Cross

DR. HEBER ROBARTS,

EDITOR,

Chemical Building, ST/ OHUS, U.S. A.

ADVERTISEMENTS.

▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼

the Oncomc of Jige i

!

J The value of a stimulant in the enfeebled digestion of the aged has X

X been recognized from the earliest time. *
X For those who decline to accept the aid of wine and who need some- X

X thing of a stimulant character to rouse the flagging powers of digestion, X

♦ ♦

I "Yellows' Syrup of lwpophospffltes" i

t Offers Special Advantages. |

♦ ♦

♦ In all conditions commonly seen in persons of Advancing Life, a tonic ♦

♦ like Fellows' Syrup is clearly indicated. ♦

X Dr. Milner F other gill 'wrote: "It (Fellows' Hypophosphites) is a good X

X all-round tonic, specially indicated where there is NERVOUS X

' ~ — i

♦

5

♦
♦

EXHAUSTION.'

Medical letters may be addressed to

MR. FELLOW'S, 26 Christopher St., New York.

♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦<

. • ; •• ••

TIIK AKTrKAMttJA.TnijRMtcfAL COMPANY *-* JLOJ>tS - U. S. A.

THE AMERICAN

X-RAY JOURNAL.

Devoted to Practical X-Ray Work and Allied Arts and Sciences.

PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY THE AMERICAN X-RAY PUBLISHING COMPANY.

HEBER ROBARTS, M. D., M. E., Editor.

SUBSCRIPTION RATES— IN ADVANCE.
United States, Canada and Mexico $3.00 | Foreign Countries $4.00

Single Copies 25 | Single Copies 35

Editorial matter should be addressed to Dr. Heber Robarts, Editor, Suite 301 Chemical Bldg., St. Louis.

All business matter should be addressed to The American X-Ray Journal Publishing Co., same address.

All contributors of original articles and other matter relative to X-Radiance, of interest to the medical
profession, are solicited from all parts of the world. Contributors will be furnished a liberal number oi
extra copies of the Journal containing their articles.

Translation of articles written in Gsrman, French and Spanish is made by Frank Ring, M. D., 611
Chemical Building, St. Louis.

Entered at the Postofflce at St. Louis, Mo., as Second-Class Matter.

VOL. b. ST. LOUIS, JULY, 1901. NO. 1.

CONTENTS VOL. 8, NO. 6.

CONTENTS VOL. 9, NO. 1

Skiagraphy in Oral and Dental Surgery.
Shield for Prevention of X-Ray Burns.
Improved X-Ray Tubes.
Inaccuracies of the X-Ray So-called.
The X-Ray in Quackery.
Mississippi Valley Medical Association
Seek and Ye Shall Find.
Trigonometry in X-Ray Work.
Forgeries in Art Proved by X-Rays.
Bullet in Hip Joint.
Becquerel Rays.

Committee on Scientific Research, R. S.
Roentgen Society. [U. S.

Roentgen Society of the United States.
Detecting and Excluding Renal and

Urethral Calculi.
Good X-Ray Pictures.
X Ray as an Analgesic.

Roentgen Society of the United States.

Skiagraph in Oral and Dental Surgery.

A Study of Static Electrical Apparatus-
Articles 3, 4 and 5.

X-Rays in the Bladder.

Fissures and Fractures.

Rodent Ulcers.

Insects and the X-Rays.

New Process of Pelvimetry and Long
Distance Radiography.

Roentgen Society of the United States.

Exact Localization.

X-Ray Therapeutics.

Roentgen Society.

First Becquerel Burn.

Investigation of X-Ray Problems.

A New Hospital.

Epithelioma.

X-Ray Burns in Paris.

Rudolf Virchow Fund.

SEP 29t9ft$essor Roentgen.

152356

THE AMERICAN

X-RAY JOURNAL.

Devoted to Practical X-Ray Work and Allied Arts and Sciences.

VOL. 9. ST. LOUIS, JULY, 1901. NO. 1.

Roentgen Society of the
United States.

Every member of the medical profes-
sion having pride in himself and the
advancement of diagnostic medicine
should join the Roentgen Society. This
is the only body in all this land that has
taken the initiative. The society has
like all other undertakings come up
from necessity; to congeal into a com-
mon whole the vast resources of the
Roentgen discovery for the profession at
large.

If you identify yourself by member-
ship you are one of the great fraternity.
You are then an integral part, limb and
soul in sympathy with its work. If you
are outside it is quite natural to become
a critic and feel chilly towards the very
means you need to employ. Inside we
criticise for mutual advantage and weigh
the logic of our course in the scales of
justice. No one can safely deny the
importance of this subject if he is a
practitioner of medicine any more than
he can lay aside the scalpel if he is a
surgeon. See the vastness of the sub-
ject. Has any discovery in any age ap-
proached its revolutionizing tendency?
The ease and certainty of diagnosis has
advanced more in the past five years
than any previous century. It is not
every one that can avail themselves of
these advantages in practice, but every
doctor can avail himself of the knowl-
edge of these facts. The Roentgen
Society is making the effort, it is accom-

plishing what it intended to do from the
first — unite the best element, the thinkers
and unprejudiced minds of our profes-
sion into the necessity of the best uses
of the x-rays. So much has been writ-
ten, of spurious import, upon this subject
by well meaning men, yet ignorant of the
facts, that society work is the only mill
through which we can hope to shift the
chaff. It is impossible to be educated
through journal reading alone. Editors
are not responsible for the points of the
contributors and the writers differ in
their judgment according to their indi-
vidual happenings. The reader is at
sea, he has neither anchor nor keel and
therefore is led whither he goes. It is
difficult to dislodge false teaching and
therefore the prime virtue of true learn-
ing. If you know the truth — the laws
that govern a principle then discussion
upon any of its attributes is intelligi-
ble. If the writer assumes false premises
it is at once detected and the mass is un-
worthy of our time. It is for these and
other reasons every fervent medical man
should be with this society. Crystalize
energy on permanency and on truth and
thereby conserve forces for the just
upbuilding of each and all. If you are
with the society you get the truth, and
truth is powerful and must prevail. One
mind can not cull from the world of rot
only that which is good for him. If you
are with the society the strength of all is
united in one. Seize now on to that
which is known to be good so that we
may, as professional men, be conscious
of nearing the goal we seek.

93°

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

Skiagraph in Oral and Dental
Surgery.

BY WESTON A. PRICE, D.D.S., M. E.

elivered with Stereoptican Views before the
Roentgen Society of the United States,
Grand Central Palace, New York City,
December 13, 1900.
Continued from page 915.

Sometimes these abscesses produce
very extensive destruction of tissue, as
for example in this case (Fig. 8) where
the lighter area shows the extent of the
abscess in the bone around the lateral
incisor. There is no necessity for ex-
traction in these cases. Of course, the
abscess must have drainage and have
the irritant removed and then the treat-
ment is very simple. This case had
been drained through the root canal
which, as you see, left the abscess more
than half full of pus all the time. The
most dependent point is that marked X.
The abscess was perforated at this point
and thoroughly sterilized and stimulated
and the root filled at once. The cure
was rapid and perfect.

The location of the irritant producing
these abscesses is often very hard to
locate, as in this case (Fig. 9) where the
light area shows the extent of the ab-
sorption of the bone caused by an abscess
from diseased root. The abscess had its
fistula beside the second bicuspid and
was treated accordingly. The dentist
in charge extracted the first bicuspid
because it was tender to concussion, but
finding it all right replaced it. This
radiograph shows the trouble to come
from absorption of the apex of the
lateral and the case was treated accord-
ingly by amputating the apex of the
lateral root with excellent results. Of
course, drainage was secured at the
lowest point of the abscess. Nature soon
fills in these large abscess cavities
with new bone when the irritant is
removed as you will see by a radio-
graph of this same case three months
later.

The next (Fig. 11) shows a lower jaw
more than half cut off by an abscess.

(Fig. 12) shows absorption of the apex
of the central incisor, causing a chronic
abscess about it which had resisted treat-
ment. Now that the cause is known
the treatment is simple.

The next (Fig. 13 ) is very remarka-
ble, since it is a case of an abscess with
a fistula externally upon the face, and
while the abscess is quite large as you
see, its cause is not apparent. It is prob-
ably a so-called pericemental abscess.
The fistula leaves it at its superior point
marked X. while its most dependent
point is much lower marked A. A per-
foration or artificial fistula will be es-
tablished at this point A, when the
patient gets ready, unless it heals by
absorption. The flow of pus has ceased
since the last skiagraph was taken.

I have spoken of the operation of
root amputation without extraction
where irritant is a diseased apex of an
otherwise good root. This operation
is not difficult and is almost always at-
tended with a perfect cure. This slide,
(Fig. 14) shows a typical case. This
tooth has been abscessed for 13 years
and resisted treatment. The skiagraph
shows the trouble to come from an im-
perfectly filled tooth. The apex was
amputated at a point where the root-
filling stopped, as seen by this same and
the result was a perfect cure. Fig. 15
shows another case before and after
root amputation The bone fills in
around these amputated roots, making
them very firm and serviceable.
2238 Euclid ave., Cleveland, O.

(See illustrations on next page.)

TO BE CONTINUED.

Roentgen Exhibition in Hamburg will
take place during the meeting of the
German "Naturforscher und Aerzte"
from September 22 to 29.

Fatigued muscles give much denser
shadows than when viewed or radio-
graphed in rest.

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL. 931

™ 14. FIG. 15.

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

933

A Study of Static Electrical
Apparatus.

BY JOHN TOWNSEND PITKIN, M. D.
ARTICLE NO. 3.

The bete noir of the operator of a
Holtz static machine, is the frequent
loss of charge during the warmer months
of the year, when the atmosphere con-
tains a high degree of fractional satura-
tion of moisture, which renders the air
more conductive of the high tension
electrical currents.

This variety of static machine has no
power to bring itself into primary ac-
tion. It, therefore, requires charging,
priming or exciting by some secondary
apparatus. Usually a small Toepler or
Wimshurst static machine is employed
for the purpose. (An entirely new and
original method of overcoming loss of
charge, invented by the writer, will be
demonstrated to the members of The
Roentgen Ray Society when they meet
in Buffalo next September.)

Some makers inclose the charger in
the same case with the Holtz machine,
placing it at one end thereof, where, by
the employment of switches or other
devices, it may be connected to the
machine proper, and thus operated until
all portions of the apparatus are brought
into full functional activity.

The objections to this arrangement are
manifold. Inclosing the machine and
its charger, as above described, requires
that the case shall be unduly large,
hence it takes up too much space in a
crowded office. Unsightly, because the
essential portion of the apparatus is in
a symmetrical position. To adjust a
brush or other portion of the charger, the
entire machine must be opened and ex-
posed to the damp air of the apartment.
The operator cannot predetermine which
side of the machine will be of a desired
polarity. To dry the case by chemical
or electrical means will require more
time than would be consumed in drying

a charger inclosed in its individual case.

Inaccessibility precludes the employ-
ment of a Ruhmkorff coil or other high
potential transformer to excite the
charger when that instrument, for un-
known reasons, refuses to functionate.
To excite a Holtz machine into primary
action, proceed as follows: Test the
charger to determine whether it is in
working order. Operate the machine
until all of its members are brought into
full electrical activity. Connect the
prime conductors of the charger to the
corresponding structure of the machine,
which is to be excited, using short pieces
of wire or metallic chains for the pur-
pose. Have the discharging rods of
both machines wide open. Bring the
two instruments into mechanical activity.
Allow the charger considerable speed,
while the Holtz machine is run slowly.
Nearly close the discharging rods of the
latter instrument until feeble sparks
commence to pass between the terminals,
then very slowly open the rods in such a
manner as to maintain them at the maxi-
mum sparking distance. The first feeble
sparks are derived from the charger,
while another portion of its current is
passing through the inside of the Holtz
machine to awaken its dormant struct-
ures. When the discharge suddenly
becomes louder, longer, fatter and
brighter, the charger may be discon-
nected, for the Holtz machine can then
be operated independently. The polar-
ity of the Holtz machine will correspond
to that of the instrument with which it
is excited, hence by observing the dis-
charge at the collecting combs of the
charger in a darkened apartment and
making connections accordingly, a de-
sired polarity may be obtained.

To insure electrical activity of the
charger, it should be inclosed in a suit-
able case and kept dry by chemical ab-
sorbents or a small electrical heater.
Perhaps the best electrical heater for a
small machine is an eight or 16 candle-

934

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

power incandescent lamp, firmly secured
by a lamp socket to the bottom of the
inside of the case; the terminals of the
lamp may be connected to binding posts,
which pass through the woodwork and
serve for attachment of lead wires from
the commercial electrical service.

A charger which refuses to operate
may be coerced into action by connect-
ing its field brushes to the secondary of
a small Ruhmkorff sparking coil, the
primary of which is excited by the direct
commercial current passed through a
bank of lamps placed in simple series.

When a Holtz machine has many
plates and the inside of the case is damp,
it requires for its excitation an apparatus
which generates a current of consider-
able volume. Under these circum-
stances, either the exciter itself must be
a large machine or a small machine
operated at high speed, may discharge
its current through a pair of Leyden
jars, the condensers acting as static trans-
former?. To rid the inside of the case
of a Holtz machine of moisture, two
methods may be adopted, i. e., chemical
absorption and electrical heating. The
base of the machine can be provided
with drying chambers communicating
with the inside of the case by trap-doors
placed in its floor. Other small doors
should open outwards to allow the oper-
ator to replenish the chemicals and ad-
just or repair the heating coils without
opening the instrument proper and ex-
posing it to the moist atmosphere of the
apartment. In one of the chambers are
placed large, shallow, flat trays con-
taining commercial calcium chloride,
which, by absorbing moisture, turns
from a white, dry, lumpy material into
a soft, sticky mass, or may even become
deliquescent.

During the summer months, the chlor-
ide should be freed from water by heat-
ing it in flat, iron trays, preferably upon
a gas range, every third or fourth day
until it becomes anhydrous. Buffalo, N. v.

Fruita, Colorado, June 29, 1901.
Dr. Heber Robarts.

Dear Sir: My design patent on sta-
tionary plate was officially allowed on
the 20th inst., and patent will be issued
on July 9.

I enclose drawing of same. It is
made in two parts and is separable along
lines BB. The line B and B instead
of being carried round in a semi-circle
is carried out and makes projection at A
which serves as a base of support and

the plate is steadied as usual at top B.
Hole C is for hub of revolving plates. It
has all the appearances and advantages
of a circular plate and can be easily re-
moved, as well as being cheaper than
regular plate and not the danger of
breaking. I have the plates on my 4-20
inch rubber plate machine, which runs
from 1,000 to 2,000 per minute and it is
doing work equal to the larger machines
also on one machine with 8-27 inch re-
volving plates and results are equal to
the best for that size.

Will try and have some photos of the
machine before long with description.

Yours truly,

J. M. G. Beard.

Pus is less translucent to the rays than
serous fluids.

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

935

A Study of Static Electrical
Apparatus.

BY JOHN TOWN SEND PITKIN, M. D.

ARTICLE NO. 4.

The Charge and the Charger Continued.

A well-constructed Holtz machine can
be operated during all portions of the
year without a dryer to absorb or heater
to expel the moisture, providing a
charger of adequate generating capacity
is employed to bring it into primary ac-
tion its plates will yield their full quota
of current, but the damp air will dissi-
pate a portion of the energy, and in con-
sequence of the low point of magnetic
saturation of the atmosphere the con-

the charger, and making connections
accordingly, a desired polarity may be
given to the instrument that is to be
excited.

When, as is usually the case, the
mechanical propulsion of the static
machine is effected by an electro-motor
actuated by a direct commercial current,
a rheostat for starting box and speed
regulator is placed in a simple series.

The rheostat is essentially composed
of resisting iron wire coils, varying
lengths of which, by a selecting device,
may be interposed in the circuit, causing
a portion of the electrical energy to be
dissipated in the form of heat. Other
coils of similar composition are placed
in a special chamber in the base of the

A sixteen revolving plj
denser action of the machine and its
electrical output will be minimized. If,
on the other hand, the case is thoroughly
dried, a few turns of a small charger
will suffice for its excitation and the
electrical output will be at a maximum.

A small charger may be used to bring
a larger exciter into action whenever
the latter is required, but fails to
operate. The polarity of the Holtz
machine will correspond to that of the
instrument from which it obtains its
charge. Hence, by observing in the
darkened apartment the nature of the
discharge on the collecting combs of

e, Holtz static machine,
static machine, where they are employed
for drying purposes. Would it not be
advisable from an economical standpoint
to combine the two devices, using the
heat of the rheostat to dry the interior
of the apparatus? This may be accom-
plished in the following manner: Draw
in your mind's eye two pictures of the
face of a clock, one on the base and rear
side of the static machine over the dry-
ing apartment, the other on the inside
of the chamber against the front board,
the two imaginary clock dials facing in
the same direction and in perfect aline-
ment.

936

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

Procure one bound of iron stove-pipe
wire. Divide the wire into 12 pieces
of equal length. Wind each of the
wires over a large lead pencil, thus mak-
ing as many coils. String the coils
across the drying chamber, attaching
their free ends to screw eyes, firmly se-
cured in the woodwork at points corre-
sponding to the numbers in the imaginary
clock dial. Connect the alternating
screw eyes at the front end of the cham-
ber to their next neighbor, i. e., number
one to number two, three to four, five
to six, etc., not number two to three, or
four to five, etc., by short pieces of wire.
The twelve screw eyes at the rear end of
the case must pass through the wood-
work, each one terminating on the out-
side in a small metallic button.

The chamber should be lined through-
out with asbestos and all connections of
wires made perfect to avoid the danger
of setting fire to the apparatus. Pivot
from the center of the circular row of
buttons, on the rear of the machine, a
small metallic arm long enough to over-
lap the buttons, its outer end movable,
provided with an insulated knob for a
handle.

Through an intervening binding-post
attach one of the lead wires from the
electrical main to the fixed end of the
arm. The other lead is to be made fast
through another post to but'on number
one. When the movable end of the se-
lecting arm rests upon button number
twelve, all of the resistance is in the cir-
cuit. The resistance can be decreased
by gradual gradations by moving the
arm towards the smaller numbers. Thus
reduced, the machine will gain in speed
and vice versa.

All of the electrical energy not em-
ployed to operate the motor will be con-
verted into heat, which, no longer
wasted, will be utilized to dry the in-
terior of the apparatus.

In bringing the static machine into
primary action, a very low rate of speed

is desired; at the same time the load for
the motor is very slight, hence all of the
resistance may be placed in series and
all the coils of the rheostat used for
heating purposes. The object in having
so many coils in the rheostat is to attain
any desired rate of speed for the revolv-
tng discs or armature of our lightning
generator.
Buffalo, N. Y.

X-Rays in the Bladder.

This case has been recently reported
to us: A man forty years of age had
suffered five years with a disease of the
bladder. Some of the eminent surgeons
of the east had treated him and for the
past four months had been in the great
Jefferson Hospital of Philadelphia. Tu-
berculous trouble of the prostate was one
of the many diagnosis made and for
which he was treated. Strange but
true, neuresthenia was another diagno-
sis. Finally a good doctor "fell upon
himself" and employed the x-rays. A
stone was located. Operation revealed
an encysted calculus of the phosphatic
variety the size of a hen's egg weighing
four ounces. This case may be one,
and we hope it will escape the search-
ing lash of the law. We will defend to
the uttermost our lame profession, but
with neglect similar to this case what
can we expect? Sooner or later when
the x-ray is available the people will de-
mand its use or punish us for neglect of
duty. The x-ray is one of the imple-
ments of the physician's armory and the
law presumes negligence on our part,
should we fail to use all the available
means for making diagnosis.

Fissures and Fractures.

Dr. Beck teaches the advisability of
beginning motion after 10 days, in fis-
sure as well as in fracture of the radial
head if the skiagraphic observation shows
no tendency to displacement.

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

937

A Study of Static Electrical
Apparatus.

BY JOHN TOWNSEND PITKIN, M. D.
ARTICLE NO 5.

The Neutralizing Circuit.

Forty-five degrees of a circle formed
by the revolving plate of the static ma-
chine, computed in the direction that
they turn from the two sets of collecting
combs which gather the current from
the prime conductors, extending a va-
reliable distance towards the axle, in the
alternating interspaces of the revolving
plates, firmly attached to metallic sup-
ports are placed secondary sets of rods
and combs. These rods and combs, a
superior and inferior set, are of similar
construction, perfect in alinement with
each other and the fellows of the oppo-
site side, their function is to relieve the
revolving discs of the electro-magnetic
energy not employed for useful pur-
poses, i. e., maintain the excitation of
the field plates and sustain the external
circuit. This residue they take up and
discharge into a metallic structure, by
which the superior and inferior set of
rods communicate, named from the
function that it performs, the neutralizing
rod. When a static machine is brought
into primary action, this circuit offers
little resistance to the electrical flow,
hence it is the first to be excited. It
facilitates excitation.

Once the machine is in action, as al-
ready intimated, it constantly relieves
the revolving discs of all surplus charge,
thus they assist in keeping the two sides
of the machine of opposite polarity. If
resistance in the form of spark gaps, or
a Crooke's tube is placed in the external
circuit the amount of current in that
circuit will be somewhat reduced while
that of the neutralizing circuit will be
proprotionately augmented.

As the potential of the neutralizing
comb-holders d ffers from the comb-

holders of the prime conductor circuit
of the same side, they must not be with-
in sparking distance of each other.
Owing to the tendency of other struct-
ures to discharge onto the neutralizing
rod it should be placed at the extreme
rear of the case and inclosed through-
out in half inch hard rubber tubing.
The four sets of collecting rods and
combs might be made adjustable, like
the discharging rods, so that they could
be slid in and out according to require-
ments. In when the Crooke's tube is of
low vacuum, the inside of the case dry
and the machine ran at low speed. Out
when the tube is hard, the case damp or
the apparatus operated with considera-
ble speed.

With adjustable rods and combs we
would be able to obtain the maximum
external, and the minimum internal cur-
rent, and dispense with noisy, wasteful
interruptions in the form of spark gaps,
which in turn cause diffusion of the
x-radiance and a blurring of the pictures.
Spark-gaps are wasteful because the
structures which are insulators for a
steady flow become conductors when it
is intermitted. The interrupted cur-
rent is adisperser of the electro-magnet-
ic energy.

The metallic supporters of the collect-
ing rods require perfect insulation, con-
tact with the wood-work of the case is
inadmissable.
Buffalo, N. Y.

Rodent Ulcers.

It is certainly impracticable to treat
rodent ulcers with the knife either be-
cause of scar tissue resulting or the al-
most certainty of return of the disease.
With the x-rays all these cases recover.
Scar tissue does not form or disappear
after raying.

The best picture of the heart is taken
with the plate to the chest and the anode
two inches to the left of the sixth dorsal
vertebra 16 inches from the plate.

938

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

Insects and the X-Rays.

A box was made half of wood, and
half of sheet lead. In the wooden half
a number of larvae of flies, bees, beetles
and other insects was placed and the box
was then put in the field of the x-rays.

The insect colony at once became
greatly excited and after crawling to and
fro, finally emigrated, to a worm, to the
leaden half of the box, where the rays
could not penetrate.

The experiment was repeated many
times and always with the same result.

A similar experiment was tried with
the blind larvae of a certain species of
beetle. A number of them was placed
in an open cigar box, which also con-
tained a metal box with an opening.
No sooner were the rays turned on than
the insects showed signs of distress.
Their uneasiness increased and in a lit-
tle while they all sought refuge in the
metal box.

As the larvae in the second experi-
ment were entirely sightless, their per-
ception of the rays must take place
through the nerves of the skin.

Toledo, Ohio, June 22, 1901.
Dr. Heher Rorarts, St. Louis, Mo.

Dear Sir: — I have a Queen 15 inch x-
ray outfit which 1 wish to sell. This is
one of their latest coils (built last Novem-
ber). The only reason I have for sell-
ing it is that I am going abroad for six
months and wish to have a 25 inch spe-
cial coil built for some experiments which
I wish to carry out. Outfit consists of a
15 inch coil, 7 cells D. 7 chloride accu-
mulator, 2 queen tubes, 2 General Elec-
tric Company tubes, large Queen tube
stand, 7x8 fluoroscope and x-ray cabi-
net mounted on castors. This is 24^
inches square, holds battery and has
drawer 8 inches deep large enough to
hold 4 tubes, wires, etc. (Cabinet
of quarter sawed oak and a handsome
piece of furniture). This outfit cost

$400 and I will sell it complete for
$300. If party does not want whole
outfit will sell coil, battery and cabinet
for $240. (list being $320.) I do not
care to sell coil without battery but will
sell battery separately, as I do not care
to have same taken care of while I am
away. This outfit is just like new and
I will ship to any one you know to be
responsible and if they do not find it to
be as represented they need not take it.
This is not a second-hand outfit to be
sold at half price, but anyone wishing a
first-class outfit of this kind can secure
this and save some money.

Yours truly,

H. W. Dachtler.

Dr. Jose Gallegos of Retalhulen,
Guatemala, C. A., has constructed a
static machine which he claims to be
many times greater in current power
with same number of plates and diame-
ter, than any static machine heretofore
made. The secret of greater length of
spark and fatness is due to his method of
sector construction. The shape of sec-
tors does not differ from those ordinarily
made but he reverses the foldings of pa-
per many times and between the layers
of each is placed a layer of tin foil. It
is thus the sectors are built up possibly
one-eighth of an inch deep or more and
the number of sheets of tin foil thus in-
terposed seems to be the exciting cen-
ters of greater output of current.

The intestines should be emptied be-
fore radiographing for stone in the
kidneys, gall stone, abdominal anurism,
intestinal concretions, dilatation of the
stomach, abscess, and for other search-
ings in the abdomen and pelvis. It is
often with diagnosis that life depends.
Twenty-four hours should be consumed
in cleansing the bowels.

A heart after pericarditis is large and
the entire muscle cast a denser shadow
than a heart healthy.

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

939

New Process of Pelvimetry
and Long Distance
Radiography.

This is the title of an article in Scien-
tific American Supplement, May n ult.
The principle of the article is to show
how we can sensibly cause parallel radia-
tions imitating our own vision. The
bulbs employed are bi-anodic and are
placed at considerable distance from the
object. A table is given by Dr. Var-
nier of a dry pelvis, showing the differ-
ence between the dimensions of the
pelvis itself and the radiograph. The
figures are estimated on shadows 80 to
90 feet distance, but it is alleged that in
actual practice 16 feet would answer.
If we had a tube that would give good
views of an adult pelvis 16 feet away
with 10 minutes exposure we would cer-
tainly be approaching superior radi-
ance— the goal we seek, the entire
scheme is a conception and only worthy
of mention.

Roentgen Society of the
United States.

ANNOUNCEMENT OF COMMITTEE ON
ARRANGEMENTS.

The Committee on Arrangements for
the next meeting of the Roentgen Socie-
ty of America have secured, through the
courtesy of the Dean and Faculty of the
University of Buffalo, the use of as much
of its building as we may require. The
location is central, the room ample and
on the ground floor. The date of the
meetings will be Sept. 10 and 11 at
the University of Buffalo, Buffalo, N. Y.

The following rules and regulations
in regard to exhibits have been adopted
by the committee: Applications for
space should be sent as early as possi-
ble to R. C. Adams, Secretary, drawer
No. 963, Buffalo, N. Y., with particu-
lars as to character of exhibit and space
needed.

Exhibits may be consigned to Louis

Staffeldt, care University of Buffalo, and
all express and freight charges must be
pre-paid. Owners of goods sent by
freight who wish them transferred to
place of meeting on arrival, must notify
the secretary and send him the pre-paid
bills of lading. The cartage will be at
expense of owners.

Exhibits are wholly at risk of owrners,
and should be unpacked and installed
by them not later than Sept. 7.

Alternating current 104 volts, single
phase, 60 cycles, and direct current no
volts, will be available, also dark room
for photographic purposes. All exhibits
must be removed by Sept. 13.

Edgar B. Stevens, Chairman.
Roger Cook Adams, Sec, Drawer 693.
Dr. James W. Putnam,
Dr. Elmer E. Starr,
Dr. Rennick R. Ross,

Committee.

X-Ray Burn in Paris.

Dr. Bronardel and M. Ogier were
employed as expert witnesses in a case
of suit brought for alleged x-ray burns.
The doctors testified that no one knows
the conditions which give rise to burns
in some people, and not in others, and
that, consequently, the radiographer
was not responsible. The court, how-
ever, gave the full amount of the dam-
ages claimed 5,000 francs. It said: "We
find that the radiographer had acted im-
prudently, more like a workman than a
medical man, and that his apparatus
was defective." The case was a woman
whom the radiographer had treated for
sciatica, exposing the parts in three sit-
tings in three weeks 40, 45 and 75 min-
utes each.

If there is no food in the stomach and
the intestines are thoroughly cleansed
they are at rest. It is then that the best
pictures are had of the organs of the
abdomen and pelvis.

Bismuth in solution or dry in capsuls
can be traced along the alimentary
track.

94o THE AMERICAN

Exact Localization.

Dr. Clarence A. Greenleaf, of Phila-
delphia, has recently reported through
the Philadelphia Medical Journal some
obscure cases under the old method of
diagnosis. In cerebral localization, the
doctor writes: "We do not get the
exact location nor does this method of
diagnosis give data from which we can
absolutely determine the necessity for
an operation. It gives no evidence of
size or the nature of the foreign matter."
He relates a very interesting case re-
ported to him by Dr. E. M. Moore, Jr.,
which, for its completeness and interest-
ing character, is worthy of reproduction.
But we must protest against the state-
ment of inexact location. Nothing is
easier than locating anything in the head
that can be seen with the fluoroscope
with mathematical accuracy. As to the
size being distorted — well, this is not a
bugbear, either. When the location is
established it is no trick to determine
the size. Our previous knowledge of
shadows instinctively acquaint us with
these facts:

"The patient, a male, 37 years of age,
shot himself in the head with a 22 cali-
ber bulldog revolver, in 1889. He fired
three shots, holding the revolver at the
right side of his head behind the ear.
The patient states that he held the re-
volver in the same position while firing
the first two shots, but that when he
fired the third he moved his head for-
ward. He immediately became uncon-
scious and was removed to St. Mary's
Hospital and placed under the care of
Dr. K. M. Moore, Jr. Examination at
this time revealed one wound upon the
right side of the head and a second one
over the occipital protuberance. The
first one penetrated the skull, while the
second was a simple scalp wound. He
remained unconscious for three weeks.
He remained in the hospital for three
months, although the external wounds

X-RAY JOURNAL.

were healed at the end of three weeks.
At the time of his discharge from the
hospital the patient had no symptoms
except a paretic condition of the right
leg and a left heminopia. In April of
this year the patient consulted Dr.
Moore again, hoping that something
nrght be done to relieve him of his
continued disability. A physical exami-
nation made at this time showed the fol-
lowing conditions: A depression upon
the right side of the head about the size
of a ten-cent piece 6.5 cm. posterior to
the upper margin of the right ear and a
linear scar about 1.5 cm. long just above
the occipital protuberance. Neurologi-
cal examination shows the gait of the
right leg to be paretic, of the left leg
normal. Station is good with eyes
closed. There is no voluntary motion
of the toes of the right foot. Flexion
of foot, extension of leg and flexion of
thigh are weakened. The muscles of
the foot react to strong faradism. The
grasp of the right hand is 50 pounds, of
the left 48 pounds. The difference in
the circumference between the right and
left thigh is seven-eighths of an inch,
while the circumference of the right and
left calf are equal. The right kneejerk
is exaggerated, while the plantar reflex
is normal, but produces no movement of
the toes. There is a slight ankle-clonus
upon the right side. There is no dis-
turbance of the sense of touch; the
sense of taste is diminished, principally
upon the right side of the tongue, which
is protruded slightly to the right, al-
though movement to both sides is pos-
sible. The sense of small is somewhat
diminished in both nostrils; the hearing
is good in both ears. There is no dis-
turbance of the sense of pain. Aphasia,
word-blindness and word-deafness are
absent and the memory and general in-
telligence are good. Ophthalmological
examination reveals a lateral heminopia
of the left side. Ophthalmoscopic ex-
amination is negative.

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

94 1

"X-ray Examination — A lateral view
shows a distinct shadow denoting the
presence of a bullet in the brain. This
shadow is 4. 5 cm. from the upper surface
of the skull and is 6 cm. from its pos-
terior wall. There is also a fainter, ir-
regular shadow which probably indicates
an organized blood-clot, about 2.5 cm.
in diameter, situated 0.5 cm. posterior
to the bullet. A distorted shadow is
seen in the lower posterior part of the
head.

"This case presents a few points of
special interest: 1. The question of the
brain areas involved in the injury as
shown by the symptoms and the result
of the. neurological and opthalmological
examinations. 2. The value of the x-ray
in determining not only the presence of
the foreign bodies, but also their loca-
tion. 3. The value of the x-ray in de-
termining the feasibility or advisability
of operative interference. In this case
it is apparent that an operation for the
removal of the foreign bodies is out of
the question. It is a remarkable fact
that during all these years the symptoms
have remained practically stationary,
and this fact is also an argument against
operative interference, even if it were
possible, as the result would be ex-
tremely doubtful. Another question to
be considered is whether one or two
bullets entered the brain, and whether,
if one only entered, it divided as it
passed through the bones, as in a case
reported by Tuffier (La Presse Medi-
cate, December 20, 1899). The patient
states that he fired two shots, with his
head and the revolver in the same rela-
tive positions. There was only one
wound of entrance and this would seem
to confirm the above statement. The
radiographs, also, show one complete
circular shadow and another flattened or
crescent-shaped in an entirely different
plane, from which we may conclude that
there are two distinct bullets."

X-Ray Therapeutics.

Margaret M. Sharpe, L. R. C. P., re-
cently read an article on the above sub-
ject before the Roentgen Society, Lon-
don, full report of which is given in the
"Archives" for May. Miss Sharpe re-
tracts from her original belief that der-
matitis is the result of the x-rays. She
now inclines to the belief that this is due
to violet rays such as we get from the sun
or from arc lamps which are still richer in
the production of violet rays. She found
burns to be much more frequent when
the tubes were new and soft and where
the pencil of violet streamed across from
one pole to the other. It is either
these rays or the electric current that
does the damage. She has noticed irrita-
tion in the skin to be greatest under the
edges of metal masks where the electric
current seems to accumulate. In a case
of a woman with an exuberant growth
at the end of the nose she used the
electric high frequency spark upon one
side and the x-rays upon the other. It
was noticeable that the side treated with
the spark the shrinkage was more rapid
than where the raying was done. Miss
Sharpe contends that injury to the tis-
sues by raying is not only no help in the
treatment of diseases and hair removal,
but actually a hindrance. The only case
in which she failed to permanently re-
move the hairs was the one in which
dermatitis resulted. The use of the
mask and impervious screens are not
necessary except to protect the eyebrows
and lashes. The electric discharge from
the tube claimed by many, both home
and abroad, she formerly treated with
scorn but is now inclined to accept.

The paper elicits inquiry in the scien-
tific aspect of the subject. Discussion
on the paper was followed by Mr. Mau-
sell — Moullin, Mr. Wilson Noble, Dr.
Batten, Mr. Starten, Dr. Mills, Dr.
Chisholm Williams, Dr. Sequeira, Mr.
Payne and others.

942

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

Roentgen Society.

The following notice, made by Pro-
fessor Monell, Chairman of Committee
on Standards, appeals to all persons
whomsoever that have any knowledge on
this subject; and commends itself espe-
cially to medical men having interest in
the attainment of more knowledge.
Write to Dr. Monell and give expression
on one or more of these subjects.

COMMITTEE ON STANDARDS.
Dear Sir:

To promote uniformity in results and to secure
accuracy and give legal value to the evidence of
x-rays, it is necessary to standardize methods of
doing the work. To this common benefit all
x-ray experts are asked to contribute for the
general good of the cause. You are therefore in-
vited to write me your best suggestions on such of
the following points as you can offer advice upon:
A standard uniform nomenclature for the prin-
cipal terms required.
A standard form of record-blank for briefly filing
reports aud indicating all essential details of
the exposure.
Standard of efficiency for tubes.
Qualities which a standard x-ray photographic

plate should possess.
Qualities which a standard x-ray fluoroscope

screen should possess.
Standard handle for all x-ray tubes so they will

fit a standard tube-holder.
Standard tube-holder to fit uniform standard
tube-handle — adjustable, rigid, holding tube
without vibration — and convenient for gen-
eral use.

Standard position of tube for correct shadow.

Standard distance of anode from plate for stand-
ard x-ray exposures.

Standard exposure times for chief parts of the
body with a standard radiance.

Standard measure of different degrees of
x-radiance.

Standard "skiameter."

Standard x-ray examination table, adjustable for
all parts of the body.

Standard method of posturing each part of the
body for a standard picture.

Standard means of fixing parts immovably dur-
ing a standard exposure.

Standard complete definition of what a "stand-
ard exposure" should be. (Of medico-legal
value. )

Standard land-marks to be pictured in the nega-
tive as inherent proof that a standard exposure
*vas made — (a medico-legal necessity).

Standard method of localization for both "skia-
graphy" and "fluoroscopy," which shall be the
most practical, quick and uncomplicated.

Standard technique for picturing correct relation
of bones and joints.

Standard technique for picturing details of any
kind sought.

Standard technique for picturing contrast for

diagnosis of soft parts.
Standard technique for picturing the different

calculi, vesical, renal and gall-stones.
Standard technique for x-ray dental diagnosis.
Standard technique for x-ray eye work.
Standard technique for x-ray heart and lung

diagnosis.

Standard treatment of plates to develop uniform
results.

A standard leaflet of brief directions which the
physician who does not do his own developing
can send with his plates to any fair photogra-
pher as a ready guide to proper treatment of
an x-ray negative to secure the picture.
Standard technique for therapeutic administration
of x-rays with proper precautions.
You are invited to supply any omitted detail
which you believe should be standardized. Will
be pleased also to have you select one or more
features of the above list in which you have had
special experience and make a careful report
upon what you regard as the proper standard to
officially adopt. A reply is desired in about two
weeks. In offering suggestions about standard
working methods, postures, special devices, appa-
ratus, etc., it is desirable that you send explana-
tory camera-photographs illustrating the details
for comparison. Thanking you for your profes-
sional co-operation in behalf of the committee, I
remain, Fraternally yours,

S. H. Monell, M. D.,
CJiairman of Committee on Standards .
47 West Twenty-seventh street, New York City.

First Becquerel Burn.

Mr. Henri Becquerel started on a
journey with a price of radium in his
pocket. The radiation which bears his
name attacked the skin through the card-
board in which the metal was placed and
the cloth. It was about two weeks after
that the burn marks appeared. These
burns were also found to heal obstin-
ately like x-ray dermatitis.

A heart beating rapidly will give a
better picture that the same heart beat-
ing slowly.

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

943

Investigation of X-Ray Problems. tion and the intensity of the Roentgen

Lisbon, June 26, 1901.
Dr. Heber Robarts:

Might I beg you kindly to put before
the American Congress of Radiology
(The Roentgen Society of the United
States), the undermentioned list of
problems, whose study is at present
interesting me, but which I should also
like to submit to the inspection and in-
vestigation of the renowned radiologists
of your country.

Some of these problems have already
been propounded and have undergone a
certain amount of investigation, but, as
yet, are not thoroughly solved:

1st. How, in a Crooke's tube at a cer-
tain degree of gaseous rarefaction to
measure the influence exerts upon the
quality of the x-rays (penetration and in-
tensity*) conforming to a previously fixed
standard by the following circumstances:

(a) The distance separating the
kathode from the antikathode.

(&) The size of the kathode and
antikathode.

(V) Their shape.

(J) The length of the spark measur-
ing the discharge within the tube.

(/) The thickness of this spark.

(/) The number of interruptions in
the primary circuit (or inductor;, or the
number of electric discharges within the
tube at one and the same time.

(g) The relation between the length
(or duration) of the closing (making)
and that of the opening of the primary
circuit.

(h) The total capacity of the tube in
cubic centimetres in relation to the dis-
tance of the electrodes in line of cen-
timetres.

2d. How, in a Crooke's tube, to esti-
mate the effect produced by the degree
of gaseous rarefaction upon the pehetra-

*Measured by their effect upon th^ fluorescent
screen, platino cyanide of bp.ryum or upon sen
sitized photographic surfaces.

rays t

3d. How, in a Crooke's tube, no
matter the degree of rarefaction therein
attained, to reduce to a single point the
focus of emission of the x-rays placed
at the antikathode, in order to attain the
best definition?

4th. How to reduce the number of
electric discharges within the Crooke's
tube to the minimum necessary to give
the steadiness and brilliancy in the skia-
scopic screen?

In any case enough time must be given
to the closed period of the primary cir-
cuit for the thorough magnetic saturation
of the core, or in other words, to satur-
ate the electric capacity of the coil.

5th. How to construct a durable coil
and one which would give the greatest
produce, i. e. , with a weak primary cur-
rent to give a long and a thick spark?

6th. How to establish the standard
of the strength of the penetration of the
x-rays and its dependence on the quali-
ties of the electrical discharge which
produces them?

7th. How to establish the standard
of intensity of the x-rays?

8th. How to determine the influence
of the time exposure on the intensity of
the skiogrammes in relation to the in-
tensity of the utilized rays?

9th. How to create methods which
allow of the regulation of the penetra-
tion of the x-rays without considerable
interfering with their intensity?

10th. How to create methods allow-
ing of regulation of intensity independ-
ent of their penetration?

nth. How to determine the absorb-
ing power of the bodies for the x-rays,
according to the qualities (penetration
and intensity) of these rays?
. .With the best compliments,
r ; * ' Your faithful

0 » » ' • a 9

,%« ! . VlRGILIO MACHADO.

Subscribe for Th,e» American X-Ray
Tournal— $3.00 a year.

944

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

A New Hospital.

We are glad to be able to present the
following to the many readers of The
American X-Ray Journal. Dr. Lan-
phear very early recognized the diagnos-
tic value of the x-rays and has persist-
ently, with the greatest profit, used the
x-ra} s in his practice. His letter speaks
for itself:

July ii, 1901.

Dear Doctor:

Having bought a home in Temple Place, I have
fitted up my former residence and offices, at 3727
Finney avenue, as temporary quarters for the
Woman's Hospital of the Stare of Missouri. I
am, therefore, now in position to take care of
those unfortunate, respectable women and girls
who have not the money to pay the high prices
of the other hospitals and sanatoria of the city,
who yet require surgical treatment. There are
also rooms for a limited number of patients who
can afford to pay higher rates for care and special
nursing.

The hospital will be in charge of Miss C. E.
Jackson, a graduate of one of the best training
schools in this country and formerly head nurse
of the Woman's Hospital at Sixteenth and Pine
streets.

Hoping for at least a word of encouragement
for the institution, I am,

Sincerely yours,

Emory Lanphear.

A Laboratory for Poison.

It's a wonderful laboratory, this hu-
man body. But it can't prevent the
formation of deadly poisons within its
very being.

Indeed, the alimentary tract may be
regarded as one great laboratory for the
manufacture of dangerous substances.
"Biliousness" is a forcible illustration
of the formation and absorption of
poisons, due largely to an excessive
proteid diet. The nervous symptoms
of the dyspeptic are often but the phys-
iological demonstrations of putrefactive
alkaloids. Appreciating the importance
of the command, "Keep the :ho>.VQfcs
open," the physician will .f? nd . in ' *; » Laxa-
tive Antikamnia and (Quinine Tablets" -a;
convenient and reliable! aid to nature in;

her efforts to remove poisonous sub-
stances from the body. Attention
is particularly called to the thera-
peutics of this tablet. One of its in-
gredients acts especially by increasing
intestinal secretion, another by increas-
ing the flow of bile, another by stimu-
lating peristaltic action, and still another
by its special power to unload the
colon.

Epithelioma.

Johnson & Merrill has recently re-
ported several cases of epithelioma
apparently cured by means of the
x-rays. Pain in all the cases was re-
lieved at the beginning of the treatment,
the discharge diminished and offensive
discharge ceased.

Professor Roentgen.

On the recommendation of the Na-
tional Academy of Science the Bernard
Medal was awarded to Professor Wil-
helm Conrad Roentgen at the "Com-
mencement" of Columbia University.

Purchasing Goods.

Prospective purchasers of the x-ray
machines should consult the advertising
pages of the The American X-Ray Jour-
nal. The best manufacturing houses
naturally seek the purest means to pre-
sent their goods.

Phosphatic concretions are more trans-
lucent than urates and oxalates.

Iodoform injected into cavities shows
remarkably distinct on plate and screen.

The differential diagnosis between
congenital luxation and coxa vara is pre-
sented in an interesting manner by the
x-rays.

, : *rA muscular person accustomed to
labor.and free from fat will give detail in
radiography not possible to obtain in a
iat subject.

ADVERTISEMENTS.

Ill

Summer Diarrhoea.

In the large class of summer diarrhoeas
of children and adults, with griping in
the bowels and flatulence, the use of
Listerine, in doses varying from ten
drops to a teaspoonful (with or without
water), has a most salutary and pleasing
effect.

It can be administered at short inter-
vals after eating as soon as regurgita-
tion, distension or acidity occurs. Its
action in arresting excessive fermenta-
tion is prompt, besides it exercises a
decided sedative influence on the mucous
membranes of the stomach.

The thymol, menthol and boracic acid
which, with the quota of alcohol neces-
sary to their proper admixture, form the
principal elements of Listerine, lend to

this compound a special value in this
class of cases. — New York Medical
Journal.

Every Man Should Travel

As extensively as his circumstances will permit,
The educational advantages secured by visiting
the different parts of the United States, are
likely to be of the greatest service to any phy-
sician. A doctor with a comprehensive knowl-
edge of the affairs of the country at large has an
immense advantage over his less fortunate fellow
practitioners.

Not every one has the means to travel for
travel's sake alone, but any bright young man of
fair address and average ability has within him-
self a means to not only secure the educational
benefits of a trip about the country, but to make
such an excursion profitable as well, through the
sale of medical publications.

For further particulars, address

F. A. Davis Company,

Medical Publishers,
Philadelphia, Pa.

The Kinraide High-Frequency Coil.

The best ^BBhga^M Q

apparatus
for use
with the
direct or
alternating
cut1 rent.

••••••••••••

SEND FOR
DESCRIPTIVE
CIRCULAR.

ED. B. Meyrowitz,

Maker of Ophthalmological Apparatus, Complete Standard Electro-Therapeutic Equipments,

X-Ray Apparatus and High Grade Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Instruments.
104 East Twenty-third Street, ) 604 Nicollet Avenue, Minneapolis.

125 West Forty-second Street, [-NEW YORK, 360 St. Peter Street, St. Paul.

650 Madison Avenue, ) 3 rue Scribe, Paris, France.

The National College of Electro-Therapeutics

The oldest College in the United States devoted exclusively to Electro-Therapeutics. Ten instructors.
A thorough practical COURSE of INSTRUCTION by MAIL to those who can not come here. Diplomas
granted when competent. Degree conferred. Write for 6th Annual Announcement, and free sample copy
of "The Electro-Therapeutist." Address

Nos. 2, 10 Collins Block, Lima, 0. H. L. BENNETT, M , D., M. E., Secretary.

IV

ADVERTISEMENTS.

Our Offer Upset one
of our Competitors
Completely.

They say no one can afford to ^ive you a dollar for fifty cents. They
also say when you are offered a Static Machine for $150, it should set you
to thinking. We think the same thing. The physicians have certainly
been gulled for years by paying double what they should. Get a special
report on us from any commercial agency, or have your bank get it, and
you will find we are able to carry out any contract we make. No machine
is superior to ours. No concern in the United States turns out the amount
and variety of goods that we do.

Send for our Bargain Bulletin of 4,000 Articles sold
DIRECT to Physicians at Wholesale Prices.

We have no agencies.

Frank S. Betz & Co.,

37, 39, 41 Randolph Street,

CHICAGO, ILL.

ST. LOUIS

X-Ray Laboratory.

Approved by the leading Surgeons and Physicians
in St. Louis.

Laboratory Open 8 a.m. till 9 p.m.

MAIN 2954 A.

M. E. PARBERRY, Manager, 300 Chemical Building,

Eighth and Olive Streets, St. Louis, iMo.

THE AMERICAN

X-RAY JOURNAL.

Devoted to Practical X-Ray Work and Allied Arts and Sciences.

PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY" THE AMERICAN X-RAY PUBLISHING COMPANY.

HEBER ROBARTS, M. D., M. E., Editor.

SUBSCRIPTION RATES— IN ADVANCE.
United States, Canada and Mexico $3.00 | Foreign Countries $4.00

Single Copies 25 | Single Copies 35

Editorial matter should be addressed to Dr. Heber Robarts, Editor, Suite 301 Chemical Bldg., St. Louis.

All business matter should be addressed to The American X-Ray Journal Publishing Co., same address.

All contributors of original articles and other matter relative to X-Radiance, of interest to the medical
profession, are solicited from all parts of the world. Contributors will be furnished a liberal number of
extra copies of the Journal containing their articles.

Translation of articles written in German, French and Spanish is made by Frank Ring, M. D., 611
Chemical Building, St. Louis.

Entered at the Postofflce at St. Louis, Mo., as Second-Class Matter.

VOL. 9. ST. LOUIS, AUGUST, 1901. NO. 2.

CONTENTS VOL. 9, NO. 1.
H. Westbury.

Roentgen Society of the United States.

Skiagraph in Oral and Dental Surgery.

A Study of Static Electrical Apparatus-
Articles 3, 4 and 5.

X-Rays in the Bladder.

Fissures and Fractures.

Rodent Ulcers.

Insects and the X-Rays.

New Process of Pelvimetry and Long
Distance Radiography.

Roentgen Society of the United States.

Exact Localization.

X-Ray Therapeutics.

Roentgen Society.

First Becquerel Burn.

Investigation of X-Ray Problems.

A New Hospital.

Epithelioma.

X-Ray Burns in Paris.

Professor Roentgen.

CONTENTS OF VOL. 9, NO. 2.
Dr. A. C Bernays.

Skiagraph in Oral and Dental Surgery.
Constitution Roentgen Society.
How to Find Fissure of Rolando.
Radiographs — anatomical.
Subsequent Outcome of Fractures.
The Ostrich Man and the X-Rays.
Roentgen Society.
Investigation of X-Ray Problems.
Roentgen Society of the United States.
Book Reviews.

THE AMERICAN

X-RAY JOURNAL.

Devoted to Practical X Ray Work and Allied Arts and Sciences.

VOL. 9. ST. LOUIS, AUGUST, 1901. NO.

Skiagraph in Oral and Dental
Surgery.

BY WESTON A. PRICE, D D. S , M . E.

Delivered with Stereoptican Views before the
Roentgen Society of the Uni:ed States,
Grand Central Palace, New York City,
December 13, 1900.
Continued from page 930.

This skiagraph (Fig. 16) shows a case
of root amputation (which was made for
a lady about sixty years old) more than
three years after the operation and
shows the bone filled in around stub
perfectly.

I question if any operation upon the
human body requires more mechanical
skill than the perfect filling of some
root canals, because they are often so
small and crooked. Sometimes they
can be drilled out larger, but this opera-
tion is attended with great danger of
going through the sides of the root as
this case shows (Fig. 17).

Sometimes it happens that an instru-
ment breaks and in trying to get it out
it is forced through the end as shown in
this case (Fig. 19) where you will ob-
serve it has caused absorption of the
apex of the root. Notice the imperfect
root filling in the other bicuspid.

One of the most difficult operations is
to make an artificial fistula to drain a
small blind abscess at the apex of a root.
The skiagraph is of great assistance, not
only in locating the abscess, but also in
showing whether you have struck it.
This is shown by placing a lead wire in
the fistula and skiagraphing. In this

2.

slide (Fig. 20) the lead wire in the pic-
ture marked 367 shows that the first at-
tempt failed. The other shows that a
second attempt was successful.

In orthodontia, which is the correct-
ing of the positions of the teeth or cor-
recting of the features by changing the
positions of the teeth, the Roentgen
Rays are of great value to determine
the positions of the roots. For example,
it is desirable to move all the upper
anterior teeth and the bone around them
forward to correct a depression of the
upper lip. The difficulty is to carry the
roots en masse and not to simply push
the crowns apart. This case (Fig. 21*)
shows the position of the roots at start-
ing, and the view to the right shows the
roots successfully carried apart without
tipping the teeth.

You doubtless all know of the difficul-
ties and complications attending the
erupting of the third molars or wisdom
teeth so called. This skiagraph (Fig.
22*) shows the position of a typical em-
pacted one, which was entirely hidden
in the flesh and bone, not having erupted
yet and producing very serious trouble.
You will see the mechanical difficulty of
contracting it, since it is engaged or
locked against the second molar. The
dentist sending the case after seeing the
skiagraph operated by extracting the
second molar first and then the third and
then replacing the second molar after
removing its pulp and filling its roots.
Result excellent.

The next (Fig. 23*) shows a case with
an external fistula on the ramis of the

948

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

jaw, diagnosed by different surgeons as
coming from an empacted third molar
and was operated on accordingly for its
removal, but unsuccessfully. The skia-
graph was then secured, which shows
not only that the third molar has never
formed but an abscess at the root of the
second molar, which has a putrescent
pulp and which proves to be the cause
of the whole trouble.

There is no difficulty whatever in
locating unerupted teeth by means of
rays. For example, this patient, a lady
over thirty, presented without either
permanent cuspids, and the bonyprocess
was receded, making it seem quite prob-
able that they had never formed, but
they are both clearly shown in (Fig.
24*), just beneath the surface, and will
be speedily regulated to their proper
positions.

(Fig. 25) is a similar case. Patient,
age 17, and shows the case before and
after regulating.

(Fig. 26) shows a delayed bicuspid.
The distal root of the deciduous molar
has not been absorbed.

I Fig. 27*) shows a bicuspid erupting
towards the roof of the mouth.

(Fig. 28*) shows that but one bicuspid
has formed where two should, and it is
very badly malposed, having developed
back against the molar and locked against
it. The treatment was, after waiting
three months and skiagraphing and find-
ing nature was making no improvement,
to extract the temporary molar and with
a regulating appliance separate the molar
and the cuspid, the latter having pre-
maturely erupted. The next slide (Fig.
29), shows how much it has rotated and
corrected its position in 60 days.

(Fig. 30) shows the teeth of a baby at
14 months, before any of the temporary
t< eth had erupted, and the same at 28
months. It not only shows the tempor-
ary set but also the centrals forming of
the permanent set. The point of great
interest is, that though this boy's father

has not his permanent laterals, we know
he will have them, for they are already
forming.

Very unfortunately these lantern slides
do not show the excellent detail of either
the negatives or prints made from them.
To illustrate this I have brought a variety
of mounted prints that you may compare
them. You may have observed how
much more faithfully the teeth are por-
trayed in these than in skiagraphs taken
of the whole head, in which case they
are duplicated and blurred by the
shadows of the teeth of both sides or
the arch falling together. The detail
necessary to bring out an abscess, for
example, could not be secured in that
way. Owing to the limited time, I can
not go into the technique of making
skiagraphs of these dental conditions of
the teeth and adjacent parts, and the best
I can do under the circumstances is to
refer those desiring this information to
my communication before the Third In-
ternational Dental College held in Paris,.
1900, or to a book on "The Application
of Electricity in Dentistry," by the
speaker, which is nearly ready for the
publishers. I will be glad to answer
any questions any one may desire to ask.

* Electros delayed.
2238 Euclid ave., Cleveland, O.

Leonard calls attention to the fact
that many permanent injuries supposed
to have been the result of traumatism
or sprain are now known to have been
fractures. All such accidents in diag-
nosis can now be avoided.

An oblique fracture might be in per-
fect apposition and the raying done at
right angle to the brake which would
hardly distinguish the injury. Shifting
the position 90 degrees would show the
fragments.

A case of carcinoma of the breast, too
far advanced for surgical interference,
which yielded to the x-rays, was recently
reported by Andrew Clark, of London.

THE AMERICAN X-RA Y JOURNAL.

95i

Constitution, Roentgen
Society.

At the annual meeting of the Roent-
gen Society in New York City, Dec. 14,
1900, a committee was voted to be ap-
pointed by the President, to revise the
Constitution. Herewith is the result of
their careful deliberation. The report
will be acted upon at the regular meet-
ing in Buffalo, Sept. 10 and n.

CONSTITUTION.
ARTICLE I.

Name. — This Society shall be known as the
American Roentgen Society.

ARTICLE II.

Object. — The object of the Society shall be the
study and practical application of the Roentgen
Ravs. x •

ARTICLE III.

Sec. 1. — Its members shall consist of active,
corresponding and honorary. They shall be per-
sons interested in the object of the Society, and
commended by at least two members in writing,
approved by the Executive Committee, who must
have proof of their good ethical standing and
elected by ballot.

Sec. 2. — Active members shall be residents of
the United States or Canada, shall sign the Con-
stitution and pay annual dues of five dollars ($5).

Sec. 3. — No member shall vote or hold office
who is in arrears for annual dues. Any member
in arrears for more than two years and duly no-
tified by trie Treasurer, shall forfeit his mem-
bership.

Sec. 4. — Corresponding members shall be res-
idents of foreign countries.

Sec. 5. — Honorary members shall be persons
who have distinguished themselves in Roentgen
Ray research or practical work.

Sec. 6. — Corresponding and honorary members
shall have all the privileges of active members,
exceptiog voting and holding office.

ARTICLE IV.

Officers. — The officers shall be a President,
First and Second Vice-Presidents, Secretary.
Treasurer and Executive Committee of three.
The officers shall be elected annually by ballot.
ARTICLE V.

Duties of Officers;

Sec. 1— The President shall perform all the
duties pertaining to that office. He shall deliver
an address at the opening of the annual meeting.

Sec. 2. — In the absence of the President one of
the Vice-Presidents shall preside.

Sec. 3. — The Secretary shall keep or cause to

be kept a correct record of all the transactions of
the Society in a permanent form. He shall send
due notice of all meetings to each member, shall
notify all members of committees of their ap-
pointment and of the duties assigned to them.
He shall conduct the correspondence and perform
all the duties usually pertaining to that office.

Sec 4. — The Treasurer shall receive and be
accountable for all money that shall come into
his hands by virtue of his office. He shall give
good and sufficient bonds to the Executive Com-
mittee for the safe keeping and disposal of his
trust, and shall make a full report to the Society
annually- He shall pay out money only on the
written approval of the President and the Chair-
man of the Executive Committee.

Sec. 5. — An Executive Committee of three
members shall be elected as follows: One for
three years, one for two years and one for one
year, and thereafter, one annually, to serve for
three years. They shall hold the bond of the
Treasurer and audit his accounts annually, ar-
range for annual meetings and have general su-
pervision of the affairs of the Society not other-
wise provided for.

ARTICLE VI.

Meetings. — The annual meetings shall be
held on the Wednesday following the second
Tuesday of December of each year.

ARTICLE VII.

Committees.

Sec. 1. — A Committee on Publication, consist-
ing of five members, of which the President and
Secretary shall be members, s-hall be appointed
annually by the President.

Sec 2. — ( Special Committees V
ARTICLE VIII.
Amendments. — This Constitution may be
amended by a three-fourth? vote of all the mem-
bers present at an annual meeting, providing
that the proposed amendment has been read be-
fore the Society at least one day previously and
the hour for action by the Society has been set
by the Society as a special order of business, and
announced in the open meetings for at least one
day previous to the time of action.
Committee on Constitution:

Weston A. Price.
Dwight M. Clapp.
A. Clifford Mercer.

Ammetropic eyes ill defines images
at their marginal outlines and the x-rays
imprint pictures at the margin with less
contrast than photographs.

A womb menstruating is less trans-
lucent to the x-rays than when quiescent.

952

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

How to Find Fissure of
Rolando.

J. RUDIS-JICINSKY, A. M., M D. , M. E.

In cases of head injuries, whether
we have to operate or trephine, we
always have to find first the fissure of
Rolando, and then may proceed. As
far as yet we have assumed, as shown
by Thane, that the fissure of Rolando
runs downward and forward at an angle
of 67 degrees with the middle line.
But we know also that the angle varies
with shape of the head, that is to say
with the cranial index, the lower the
angle, the lower is the index; the
greater the cranial index, the greater
the angle. Horsley assumes a standard
for the cranial index of 75, as estab-
lished by Broca; for the fissure of Ro-
lando of 69, instead of 67, and for every
two integers of variation in the cranial
index he assumes one degree of vari-
ation in the angle of the Rolandic fis-
sure. This variation we have nearly in
every case, but the variation would not
be so great if we could study the ana-
tomical relations, having the sutures
and the Meningeal grooves as a guide.
This, having in mind, I have made few
experiments lately, to show that by
proper technique we are able to skia-
graph the cranium more successfully,
and see all the sutures and Meningeal
grooves, especially on that side of the
head which rests against the photo-
graphic plate. Now, if we can see
these grooves and sutures in every case
different, varying with the shape of the
head, we can make up the angle of the
fissure of Rolando much more easier,
remembering the relation it has to the
sutures and Meningeal arteries. The
measurements were guesswork any-
way, but to study each given case ana-
tomically, and according to the relations
of positive landmarks we can not only
guess, but we may find what we are
after and see.

In such cases the application of the
x-rays has its value. If we wish, the
negative will give us the internal struct-
ures of the bones of the cranium wTith
wonderful depth and perspective, will
show us plainly all the sutures and
grooves of the Meningeal arteries, and
we may have a picture of the substance,
not only the shadow, of which still so
many surgeons are afraid. To get such
a picture well defined and sharp we
have to use tungstate of calcium screen
over the photographic plate, the tung-
state being right against the film of the
dry plate. The plate has to rest on
some metallic support, as stanniol, etc.
This way we wTill get shadows which
are both shadow and substance, which,
if we understand them and intelligently
interpret them, will always bring us to
the correct and most natural landmarks
for the fissure of Rolando, and many
times to proper diagnosis, especially in
cases of bloodclots, etc. If you use
fissure meter or any other device the
skiagraph will give you a permanent
record, and shows not only the instru-
ment in place with the angle found-
metallic instrument — but gives you the
opportunity to study the possibility of
deviation. If the cranial index is 77.
instead of 75, the angle for the fissure
would be 70 instead of 69, as we expect,
but the sutures and the grooves of the
Meningeal arteries might tell us an alto-
gether different story, and will warn us
in time, without any marks with the
blue pencil, etc , on the shaved head
that we have to trephine at some other
point, at altogether different angle.
The metallic cyrtometers, being pro-
vided with means for rotating the arm
representing the fissure of Rolando
may give proximate position of the fis-
sure, but the natural landmarks given
above may help us in some cases little
better.

The difference, if we use the tungstate
of calcium screen over our dry plate,

THE AMERICA X X-RA Y JOURXAL. 953

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

955

SHOULDER, showing three axillary arteries. A very rare specimen.

[Property of X-Ray Laboratory, Chemical Building, 8th & Olive Sts.]

KIDNEY. One of Dr. Kassabian's radiographs.

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

957

resting on some metallic support in-
stead of wood, is marvelous, and the re-
sults obtained are really beautiful.
This way we do increase the sensitive-
ness of our plates, and, accumulating
more rays over the same, reduce the
time of exposure. This method is diffi-
cult to manipulate perhaps in the begin-
ning, but later on gives more oppor-
tunity to study, and we may attain
results and unexpected success. The
screen must be in good order, and in
immediate contact with the sensitive
film, so that the x-rajs had to pass
through the subject, and then the
screen before reaching the sensitive
surface of the dry plate. I have only
one screen, about 8xio inches and use the
same in all cases of bone injuries, bone
diseases, foreign bodies imbedded deep
in soft tissues, fractures, dislocations,
skiagraphy of the head, hip, joint, etc.
I will not deny that I have spoiled or
fogged numberless plates before suc-
ceeding in this or other experiments
since my pioneer work in 1896, but the
results obtained are really gratifying,
and most practical.
Cedar Rapids. Ia.

Never be content with a radiograph
of a suspected fracture from one posi-
tion. Make the second exposure at 90
degrees or at right angles to the first.

When the object sought can be seen
with the fluoroscope the fluorometer is
the most accurate and convenient in-
strument for correct localization.

In Austria, by a decree, an official
license is required before one can pub-
licly operate an x-ray machine, and
none but physicians are licensed.

Idiosyncrasy is a factor and the re-
action varies in intensity in the treat-
ment of lupus vulgaris and rodent ulcer.

It is possible not to get a picture of a
fracture in one position that would be
clear in another.

Subsequent Outcome of
Fractures.

Benjamin Duke in the British Medi-
cal Journal reports a case of oblique
fracture of the tibia and fibula, in which
at the time of the accident and during
the subsequent treatment of the case up
to the 80th day only a fracture of
the fibula was suspected. A radio-
graph at this time showed the frag-
ments of the tibia to be separated to a
considerable degree. The leg seems to
have all the function of one that had
never been injured, and comment is
made that the "case illustrates the fact
that x-ray pictures are no indication as
to the subsequent outcome of cases of
fractures." We here protest against
such rank teaching as this quotation im-
plies. To the contrary, it is just this
indication exactly that illustrates to an
intelligent surgeon the subsequent out-
come of cases of fractures. Upon the
teaching of such stuff a separation of
the lower end of the radius might be
looked upon as of light consequence.
What about the "subsequent outcome?"
How about a fracture with the lower
end of the humerus? Does it appear to
any surgeon that separation of frag-
ments here will result well for the
patient?

Surgeons have always known the
points mentioned in the quotation. It
is not so much for the cases that will
have good function, though there may
be separation of fragments, that the
x-rays are brought into requisition, but
for those cases that will not have good
function unless the bones are put in
apposition that the x-rays are so im-
portant in the subsequent outcome of
cases of fractures. A surgeon is sup-
posed to know something of the an-
atomy of the living subject and the
function of muscles and bones. The
quotation cited is at least a travesty
upon his profession.

958 THE AMERICAN

The Ostrich Man and the X-
Rays.

The title of this brief article is not
quite correct, for we are more con-
cerned in the defense of the radiographer
than we are in the freak. The Strand
Magazine for May on page 470, has a
picture of the man who alleges to eat
glass, nails, saws and knife blades, and
also these words : "But several mem-
bers of the profession were skeptical.
Doubts on this point were soon allayed,
however, by Dr. Mihram K. Kassabian,
who requisitioned the x ray apparatus
to photograph the stomach of the
human ostrich. Harrison has good
cause to recollect this part of the pro-
ceedings, since he was so burned by
the application of the rays that he was
incapacitated for 19 months, and has
since experienced a certain weakness "

Dr. Kassabian feels much agrieved
that a high grade publication would
permit such a statement, reflecting as it
does, upon his professional acumen
and using his name wrongfully to adver-
tise the freak and add to that sort of
yellow journalism.

It seems ' that Mr. Harrison, the
numan ostrich so-called, exhibited him-
self before the medical students of the
Chirurgical Medical College, Philadel-
phia, April 9, 1900. He requested that
a radiograph be made of his stomach to
prove the existence of what he had
alleged to have eaten. The clothing
was removed and he was placed prone
over a 14 by 17 plate. The tube was
36 inches from the body and glowed
three minutes. The plate showed on
development the presence of foreign
bodies. At this time he told Dr. Kas-
sabian that some doctor in New York
City had attempted to radiograph his
stomach but failed and had burned him.
Dr. Kassabian could not find any trace
of in j nry . About eight months after
this he returned to the college, Nov. 27,

X-RAY JOURNAL.

and gave a demonstration by eating
nails and tacks. No exposure was
made for radiographic purposes at this
time, but for about half of one minute
the fluoroscope was used. Of course,
from the dates it is impossible that the
man could have been incapacitated for
19 months, for it had been but 13
months since the first exposure and but
about seven months since the last. It
is also absolutely physically impossible
that injury could have resulted within
the distance and in the time he was
under the tube at either exposure. No
skin was ever known to have been in
the least influenced to the knowledge of
the person under such conditions.

That Dr. Kassabian could have
erred in this would be quite beyond
conjecture. He is one of the most
careful workers with the x-rays in this
or any other country. He is a student,
having mastered the grammar of several
languages, he took up the study of medi-
cine, and on the advent of the x-rays
began its use for purely diagnostic pur-
poses. No more cautious operator
could be found and his statements are
weighed with the latitude of a physicist.
We take pleasure in presenting the mat-
ter briefly as it has come to us.

American Electro-Therapeutic and
X-Ray Era, is out with its second num-
ber. This issue is an improvement over
the first, although the first was a very
creditable "starter." The journal is
eleven by eight inches, a most attractive
size, and will in the future, no doubt,
serve for full size radiographs. The
matter of the journal is well selected and
contains much valuable information.
Electro-Therapeutics is so closely woven
into the practice of x-ray workers, that
we teel certain they will kindly accept
the combined art and science in one pub-
lication. We, therefore, hope and pre-
dict a brilliant future for the American
Electro- Therapeutic and X Ray Era.

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

959

Roentgen Society.

The following notice, made by Pro-
fessor Monell, Chairman of Committee
on Standards, appeals to all persons
whomsoever that have any knowledge on
this subject; and commends itself espe-
cially to medical men having interest in
the attainment of more knowledge.
Write to Dr. Monell and give expression
on one or more of these subjects.

COMMITTEE ON STANDARDS.
Dear Sir:

To promote uniformity in results and to secure
accuracy and give legal value to the evidence of
x-rays, it is necessary to standardize methods of
doing the work. To this common benefit all
x-ray experts are asked to contribute for the
general good of the cause. You are therefore in-
vited to write me your best suggestions on such of
the following points as you can offer advice upon:
A standard uniform nomenclature for the prin-
cipal terms required.
A standard form of record-blank for briefly filing
reports aud indicating all essential details of
the exposure.
Standard of efficiency for tubes.
Qualities which a standard x-ray photographic

plate should possess.
Qualities which a standard x-ray fluoroscope

screen should possess.
Standard handle for all x-ray tubes so they will

fit a standard tube-holder.
Standard tube-holder to fit uniform standard
tube-handle — adjustable, rigid, holding tube
without vibration — and convenient for gen-
eral use.

Standard position of tube for correct shadow.

Standard distance of anode from plate for stand-
ard x-ray exposures.

Standard exposure times for chief parts of the
body with a standard radiance.

Standard measure of different degrees of
x-radiance.

Standard "skiameter."

Standard x-ray examination table, adjustable for
all parts of the body.

Standard method of posturing each part of the
body for a standard picture.

Standard means of fixing parts immovably dur-
ing a standard exposure.

Standard complete definition of what a "stand-
ard exposure" should be. (Of medico-legal
value . )

Standard land-marks to be pictured in the nega-
tive as inherent proof that a standard exposure
was made — (a medico-legal necessity).

Standard method of localization for both "skia-
graphy" and "fluoroscopy," which shall be the
most practical, quick and uncomplicated.

Standard technique for picturing correct relation
of bones and joints.

Standard technique for picturing details of any
kind sought.

Standard technique for picturing contrast for

diagnosis of soft parts.
Standard technique for picturing the different

calculi, vesical, renal and gall-stones.
Standard technique for x-ray dental diagnosis.
Standard technique for x-ray eye work.
Standard technique for x-ray heart and lung

diagnosis.

Standard treatment of plates to develop uniform
results.

A standard leaflet of brief . directions which the
physician who does not do his own developing
can send with his plates to any fair photogra-
pher as a ready guide to proper treatment of
an x-ray negative to secure the picture.
Standard technique for therapeutic administration
of x-rays with proper precautions.
You are invited to supply any omitted detail
which you believe should be standardized. Will
be pleased also to have you select one or more
features of the above list in which you have had
special experience and make a careful report
upon what you regard as the proper standard to
officially adopt. A reply is desired in about two
weeks. In offering suggestions about standard
working methods, postures, special devices, appa-
ratus, etc., it is desirable that you send explana-
tory camera-photographs illustrating the details
for comparison. Thanking you for your profes-
sional co-operation in behalf of the committee, I
remain, Fraternally yours,

S. H. Monell, M. D.,
Chairman of Committee on Standards
47 West Twenty-seventh street, New York City.

If you want a fine coil made especially
for high grade x-ray work, write to H.
W. Dachtler, 1959 Superior St., Toledo,
Ohio. His outfit is complete and he
offers it very cheap because he is going
abroad.

The oval light appearance in the right
flank of a radiograph is -due to gas in
the cecum.

The Medico-Legal Journal of New
York City contains many valuable arti-
cles in its June issue, but we are sorry
to see some comment on the medico-
legal aspect of the x-rays.

96o THE AMERICAN

Investigation of X-Ray Prob-
lems^

LISBON, Portugal, June 26, 1901.
Dr. Hbber Rob arts:

Might I beg you kindly to put before
the American Congress of Radiology
(The Roentgen Society of the United
States), the undermentioned list of
problems, whose study is at present
interesting me, but which I should also
like to submit to the inspection and in-
vestigation of the renowned radiologists
o\ your country.

Some of these problems have already
been propounded-and have undergone a
certain amount of investigation, but, as
yet, are not thoroughly solved:

1 st. How, in a Crooke's tube at a cer-
tain degree of gaseous rarefaction to
measure the influence exerts upon the
quality of the x-rays (penetration and in-
tensity*) conforming to a previously fixed
standard by the following circumstances:

(a) The distance separating the
kathode from the antikathode.

The size of the kathode and
antikathode.

(V) Their shape.

(,!) The length of the spark measur-
ing the discharge within the tube.

(e) The thickness of this spark.

(/) The number of interruptions in
the primary circuit (or inductor;, or the
number of electric discharges within the
tube at one and the same time.

(g) The relation between the length
1 or duration) of the closing (making)
and that of the opening of the primary
circuit.

i ' 1 The total capacity of the tube in
cubic centimetres in relation to the dis-
tance of the electrodes in line of cen-
timetres.

2d. How, in a Crooke's tube, to esti-
mate the effect produced by the degree
of gaseous rarefaction upon the penetra-

*Measured by their effect upon the fluorescent
screen, platino cyanide of baryium or upon sen-
sitized photographic surfaces.

X-RA Y JOURNAL.

tion and the intensity of the Roentgen

rays?

3d. How, in a Crooke's tube, no
matter the degree of rarefaction therein
attained, to reduce to a single point the
focus of emission of the x-rays placed
at the antikathode, in order to attain the
best definition?

4th. How to reduce the number of
electric discharges within the Crooke's
tube to the minimum necessary to give
the steadiness and brilliancy7 in the skia-
scopic screen?

In any case enough time must be given
to the closed period of the primary cir-
cuit for the thorough magnetic saturation
of the core, or in other words, to satur-
ate the electric capacity of the coil.

5th. How to construct a durable coil
and one which would give the greatest
produce, i. e. , with a weak primary cur-
rent to give a long and a thick spark?

6th. How to establish the standard
of the strength of the penetration of the
x-rays and its dependence on the quali-
ties of the electrical discharge which
produces them?

7th. How to establish the standard
of intensity of the x-rays?

8th. How to determine the influence
of the time exposure on the intensity of
the skiogrammes in relation to the in-
tensity of the utilized rays?

9th. How to create methods which
allow of the regulation of the penetra-
tion of the x-rays without considerable
interfering with their intensity?

10th. How to create methods allow-
ing of regulation of intensity independ-
ent of their penetration?

nth. How to determine the absorb-
ing power of the bodies for the x-rays,
according to the qualities (penetration
and intensity) of these rays?

With the best compliments,
Your faithful

Virgilio Machado.

Subscribe for The American X-Rav
Journal — $3.00 a year.

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

961

Roentgen Society of the
United States.

ANNOUNCEMENT OF COMMITTEE ON
ARRANGEMENTS.

The Committee on Arrangements for
the next meeting of the Roentgen Socie-
ty of America have secured, through the
courtesy of the Dean and Faculty of the
University of Buffalo, the use of as much
of its building as we may require. The
location is central, the room ample and
on the ground floor. The date of the
meetings will be Sept. 10 and 11 at
the University of Buffalo, Buffalo, N. Y.

The following rules and regulations
in regard to exhibits have been adopted
by the committee: Applications for
space should be sent as early as possi-
ble to R. C. Adams, Secretary, drawer
No. 963, Buffalo, N. Y., with particu-
lars as to character of exhibit and space
needed.

Exhibits may be consigned to Louis
Staffeldt, care University of Buffalo, and
all express and freight charges must be
pre-paid. Owners of goods sent by
freight who wish them transferred to
place of meeting on arrival, must notify
the secretary and send him the pre-paid
bills of lading. The cartage will be at
expense of owners.

Exhibits are wholly at risk of owners,
and should be unpacked and installed
by them not later than Sept. 7.

Alternating current 104 volts, single
phase, 60 cycles, and direct current no
volts, will be available, also dark room
for photographic purposes. All exhibits
must be removed by Sept. 13.

Edgar B. Stevens, Chairman.
Roger Cook Adams, Sec, Drawer 693.
Dr. James W. Putn am,
Dr. Elmer E. Starr,
Dr. Rennick R. Ross,

Committee.

Pus casts a deeper shadow than brain
substance and bones denser than pus,
yet, paradoxical as this may seem, we
can obtain good radiographs of pus in
the brain.

Book Reviews.

System of Physiologic Therapeutics . — By Solo-
mon Salis Cohen, A.M., M.D., Professor of
Medicine and Therapeutics in the Philadelphia
Polyclinic; Lecturer on Clinical Medicine at Jef-
ferson Medical College; formerly Lecturer on
Therapeutics at Dartmouth Medical College;
Physician to the Philadelphia and Rush Hospi-
tals, etc. ; Fellow of the College of Physicians of
Philadelphia; Member of the Association of
American Physicians; former President of the
Philadelphia County Medical Society, etc.

This is a practical exposition of the methods,
other than drug-giving, useful in the treatment
of the sick. Published by P. Plakiston s Son &
Co., 1012 Walnut St., Philadelphia, Pa. Price,
eleven volumes, S22 net.

Volume I is written by George W. Jacoby, M.
D., Consulting Neurologist to the German Hos-
pital, New York City; to the Infirmary for
Women and Children, and to the Craig Colony
for Epileptics, etc. Electrotherapy is the subject
of this book, divided into Part I, Electrophys-
ics and Part II, Apparatus Required for the Di-
agnostic Uses of Electricity. The first part ex-
haustively treats of the fundamental conceptions
and the realm of electric uses. The second part
takes up the uses of the various currents from the
sources of their output to their physiologic appli-
cation. The study of this volume is a systematic
teaching of electricity in a phase never before
offered. Methods are conceptions new in ar-
rangements, new in manner of expression, and
are on a higher plane of classical literature.

Vol. II, Electrotherapy {continued) is also writ-
ten by Dr. Jacoby. This book is divided into
Diagnosis, Therapeutics, including special articles,
by Dr. J. C. Da Costa, Dr. William Scheppen-
grell, Dr. F. H. Martin, Dr. Edward Jackson
and A. H. Ohmann-Dumesnil. The volumes are
richly illustrated, the first containing 163 and the
second volume has 80. This latter volume con-
tains an addenda upon electrolysis, cataphoresis
and x-ray therapy. The Parts into which the
entire book is divided: III, Electrophysiology
and Electropathology; IV, Electrotherapeutics
and Electroprognosis; V, Electrotherapeutics.
The chapters are numerous with voluminous
headings,

These books deserve close study and invite the
investigation of every medical man who values
education as an essential to honest practice.

Dental Electricity.— By Levitt E. Custer, B. S..
D. D. S. Lecturer upon Dental Electricity in
Ohio College of Dental Surgery; member of Na-
tional Dental Association; member Ohio State
Dental Society ; member of New York Institute of
Stomatology: Honorary member of Kansas State

g62

THE AMERICAN X-RA Y JOURNAL.

Dental Society; Corresponding member of Illi-
nois State Dental Society; member of Roentgen
Society of the United States, etc. U. B. Pub-
lishing House, Dayton, Ohio. More than 50 il-
lustrations, 500 pages, cloth. Price, net $4.

This is the first systematic treatise upon the
subject of Dental Electricity that we have had
the pleasure of reading. Like all works upon
medical electricity, the task explaining the mean-
ing of electrical modes is here undertaken. To
the credit of the author he has performed this
work well. The modes of electrical application
in dentistry is the full purpose of the book; and
so far as one can judge, it seems as if a new vista
had been opened up to the profession. The style of
the writer is simple and plain, so that his mean-
ing is readily understood. The chapter devoted
to the x-rays is very good. More is said on the
subject of apparatus than is necessary, for there
are now so many makes of excellent type all can
not be given proper attention. After all, the
reader is not able to judge from the description
the one he wants. The principles after all, is
what he needs.

The book is full of rare and valuable matter.
No dentist can consider himself informed that
does not possess a knowledge of the facts related
in this book. If he does not read the book we
do not know where he can easily get the facts.
As a physician I find many valuable suggestions.

How to Examine for Life Insurance. — By Frank
Ring, M. D., medical examiner for John Han-
cock Mutual Life Insurance Company of Boston;
Prudential Life Insurance Company, of Newark,
N. J.; Security Trust & Life Insurance Compa-
ny of New York. i2mo handsomely bound in
silk cloth, over 100 pages, Si. 00 net. Charles D.
Wilcox, Publisher, 2313 Washington Ave., St.
Louis, Mo. The signs of the times are well ex-
emplified in this book. The rapid strides made
toward improved methods for diagnosing in the
past few years makes it incumbent upon the life
insurance examiner to know something more than
is found in the text-books and in college teach-
ings. Life insurance companies require of their
examiners that they shall be inquisitorial and
categorical without betrayal and without giving
offense. To propound questions is an art and it
is an equal art to weigh their meaning. This as-
pect of the subject Mr. Ring has briefly covered
with a comprehension that can nowhere else be
found. The book is a ready reference upon clin-
ical signs and physical diagnosis valuable to all
practictioners whether in or out of the insurance
examining service. It is a guide in urinary anal-
ysis, valuable to all. The author touches upon
the uses of the x-rays as a means to assist in ar-
riving at conclusions. In this particular de
partment much more should have been said.
The doctor is a member of the Roentgen Society

The Kinraide High-Frequency Coil.

The best
apparatus
for use
with the
direct or
alternating
caiicut.

••••••••••••

SEND FOR

DESCRIPTIVE

CIRCULAR.

Maker of Opht halmological Apparatus, Complete Standard Electro-Therapeutic Equipments.

X-Ray Apparatus and High Grade Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Instruments.
104 Hast Twenty-third Street, \ 604 Nicollet Avenue, Minneapolis.

125 West Forty-second Street, -NEW YOKK, 360 St. Peter Street, St. Paul.

650 Madison Avenue, ) 3 rue Scribe, Paris, France.

ADVERTISEMENTS.

Ill

of the United States and employs the Roentgen
rays as suggested on page 105 in his Examiner
for Life Insurance.

Etidorhpa. — By John Uri Lloyd, author of
Stringtown on the Pike. Dodd, Mead & Com-
pany, Publishers, New York City. Richly illus-
trated by J. August Knapp. Cloth, postpaid,
ii.50.

The reader of Etidorhpa is improved in mental
vision and in the certitudes that are so myste-

rious to the untutored who do not read or study
or take interest in the realm of ecstatic wonders.
The uses of thought and vision so beautifully
brought out in this book can not be denied. The
clearness of insight in things strange and appa-.
rently beyond our grasp, are here clearly traced
in a way that the key can be used to broaden our
vision. The story is fascinating. It is of high
culture and appeals to the cleaner sympathies of
man and lives in the truth of science in all its
imaginaries. Everybody should read Etidorhpa.

Doctor:

We are successfully
treating that class of pa-
tients known as Drug
Habitues, Inebriates,
etc. If you have among
your patrons those who
are using either Opium,
Morphine, Laudanum.
Codein, Chloral or other
pain-alleviating or sleep
producing drugs or alco-
holic stimulants to ex-
cess, and you are not
prepared to successfully
treat or manage such
cases, we would be
pleased to have you send
them to us. We immedi-
ately destroy the demand, the desire and the necessity for these baneful drugs and
alcoholic stimulants. The treatment is antidotal, eliminative and supportive. There
is no delirium or painful gradual reduction. All patients remain at Sanatorium at
least one week without drugs or alcoholics of every description, and are eating and
sleeping well, and regain self -confidence before leaving for home. Treatment con-
ducted within ethical lines. Insane not admitted. We have cured cases in nearly-
every city and state in the union, and can furnish you medical references in or near
your locality. We also take pleasure in referring you to leading members of the
Memphis Medical Profession. Sanatorium large, light and well ventilated. Situated
on beautiful lawn. Electric lights and city sewerage. Massage, electric and vapor
baths. First class cuisine. All correspondence regarded as strictly professional and

confidential. Address: old Homestead Sanatorium, Memphis, Tenn.

WEBSTER'S INTERNATIONAL DICTIONARY

WEBSTER'S
INTERNATIONAL
DICTIONARY

NEW EDITION

OtZ AAA New Words,
^3,UUU Phrases, Etc.

Prepared under the direct supervision of W. T. HARRIS, Ph.D., LL.D., United
States Commissioner of Education, assisted by a large corps of competent
specialists and editors.

New Plates Throughout. Rich Bindings. 2364 Pages. 5000 Illustrations.

Better than Ever for Home, School, and Office.

Also Webster's Collegiate Dictionary

" First class in quality, second class in size.

'itha valuable Scottish Glossary, etc.
Nicholas Murray Butler.

J$N Specimen pages, etc., of both books sent on application.

G, &, C. MER>RIAM CO., Publishers, Springfield, Mass., S. A.

The National College of Electro-Therapeutics

The oldest College in the United States devoted exclusively to Electro-Therapeutics. Ten instructors.
A thorough practical COURSE of INSTRUCTION by MAIL to those who can not come here. Diplomas
granted when competent. Degree conferred. Write for 6th Annual Announcement, and free sample copy
of "The Electro-Therapeutist." Address

Nos. 2, 10 Collins Block, Lima, O. H. L. BENNETT, M, D., M. E., Secretary.

IV

ADVERTISEMENTS.

Our Offer Upset one
of our Competitors
Completely.

They say no one can afford to f?ive you a dollar for fifty cents. They
also say when you are offered a Static Machine for $150, it should set you
to thinking. We think the same thing. The physicians have certainly
been gulled for years by paying double what they should. Get a special
report on us from any commercial agency, or have your bank get it, and
you will find we are able to carry out any contract we make. No machine
is superior to ours. No concern in the United States turns out the amount
and variety of goods that we do.

Send for our Bargain Bulletin of 4,000 Articles sold
DIRECT to Physicians at Wholesale Prices,

We have no agencies.

Frank S. Betz & Co., 37•3,i„4,,cS0,'ff.s,^ee,•

ST. LOUIS

X-Ray Laboratory.

Approved by the leading Surgeons and Physicians
in St. Louis.

Laboratory Open 8 a.m. till 9 p.m.

A The automobile is brought into requisition, so that we can do x-ray
^r^jw work in any house or place in the city. Current is adapt-

jfej^l able to storage batteries, so that we can go anywhere

jfm JHV in the country to do x-ray work.

•SP** MAIN 2954 A.
M. E. PARBERRY, Manager, 300 Chemical Building,

Eighth and Olive Streets, St. Louis, Mo.

THE AMERICAN

X-RAY JOURNAL.

Devoted to Practical X-Ray Work and Allied Arts and Sciences.

PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY" THE AMERICAN X-RAY PUBLISHING COMPANY.

HEBER ROBARTS, M. D., M. E., Editor.

SUBSCRIPTION RATES— IN ADVANCE.
United States, Canada and Mexico S3.00 | Foreign Countries ■ $4.00

Single Copies . 25 | Single Copies 35

Editorial matter should be addressed to Dr. Heber Robarts, Editor, Suite 331 Chemical Bldg., St. Louis.

All business matter should be addressed to The American X-Ray Journal Publishing Co., same address.

All contributors of original articles and other matter relative to X-Radiance, of interest to the medical
profession, are solicited from all parts of the world. Contributors will be furnished a liberal number of
extra copies of the Journ al containing their articles.

Translation of articles written in German, French and Spanish is made by Frank Ring, M. D., 611
Chemical Building, St. Louis.

Entered at the Postofflce at St. Louis, Mo., as Second-Class Matter.

VOL. 9. ST. LOUIS, SEPTEMBER, 1901. NO. 3.

CONTENTS OF VOL. 9, NO. 2
Dr. A. C Bernays.

Skiagraph in Oral and Dental Surgery.
Constitution Roentgen Society.
How to Find Fissure of Rolando.
Radiographs — anatomical.
Subsequent Outcome of Fractures.
The Ostrich Man and the X-Rays.
Roentgen Society.
Investigation of X-Ray Problems.
Roentgen Society of the United States.
Book Reviews.

CONTENTS OF VOL 9, NO 3

Second President Roentgen Ray Society

of America.
First President Roentgen Ray Society

of America.
Illustrations.
Static Electricity.
Editorials.
Radiographs.

Priority, Radio-Therapeutics.
Becquerel Rays.

THE AMERICAN

X-RAY JOURNAL.

Devoted to Practical X-Ray Work and Allied Arts and Sciences.

VOL. 9. ST. LOUIS* SEPTEMBER, 1901. NO. 8.

The Roentgen Ray Society
of America.

It will be noticed that the name of
the Roentgen Society of the United
States is changed so as to read The
Roentgen Ray Society of America.
This was made necessary to comply
with the Constitution, which admits
active members from the continent and
especially from Canada, where the so-
ciety has a healthy contingency.

This society was organized in Febru-
ary, 1900, in Dr. Robarts' office, St.
Louis, in response to 100 invitations
sent out to physicians by Dr. J. Rudis-
Jicinsky, of Cedar Rapids, la. A presi-
dent and secretary were chosen for the
temporary organization and a regular
meeting fixed for December 13 and 14,
in New York City, in the Grand Central
Palace. Announcement was made

through The American X-Ray Journal
and the medical and electrical press
everywhere. Voluntary, papers were
sent to the secretary and a most excel-
lent program prepared. "Manufacturers
of x-ray apparatus and accessories ap-
plied for space and occupied one of the
beautiful rooms shown in the cut here-
with. The local arrangements were
perfected by a committee of which Dr.
S. H. Monell, of New York City, was
chairman.

At the time this society was launched
there seemed to have come over the x-
ray world a settling down to quietude
and actual work, since but little was
then being said or printed on the sub-
ject. Many thought the x-ray followers
were getting what Napoleon called
"real punishment" — a let-alone policy.
Subsequent events, however, have prov-
en that the x-ray influence of that time
was in a state of incubation. Many pro-
fessional men had likened the advent of
the Roentgen Society, as also they had
The American X-Ray Journal, to a dis-
sertation upon the Will-o'-the-wisp.
When once said it was all said. Ig-
nis fatuus has mysterious wonders
wreathed about its graveyard light, but
to repeat the story was punching Judy
in the face. The x-rays had crowned
the period with astonishment and
brought light where no vision hoped to
dwell, but the story once told, relief and
relaxation wrould follow with dreamy re-
pose. Time has again shown that the
complainer and wrecker fall together,

964

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

while the enthusiast and builder go on
forever. The New York City meeting
was a surprise. It was largely attended
with 150 x-ray workers. The papers
and proceedings were printed in The
American X-Ray Journal, extracts
from which have been made in American
and European journals.

The officers elected at that regular
meeting were: President, Dr. Heber
Robarts, St. Louis, Mo. ; Secretary, Dr.
J. Rudis-jicinsky, Cedar Rapids, la.;
Treasurer, Dr. E. A. Florentine, Sag-
inaw, Mich. The president appointed
on special committees: Standards, Dr.
S. H. Mcnell, New York City, chairman;
Research, Dr. J. B. Murphy, Chicago,
charman; Ways and Means, Dr. J.
Rudis-J icinsky, Cedar Rapids, la.,
chairman; Medico-Legal, Dr. Mihran K.
Kassabian, Philadelphia, chairman.
Time and place of next meeting was left
with the president, who selected Buffalo,
and September 10-11 the time. Edgar
15. Stevens, E.E., of Buffalo, was made
chairman of the Committee of Arrange-
ments, who expended every energy to
to furnish the necessities that made the
buffalo meeting so agreeable. Although
Mr. Stevens had only recently returned
from Europe, the perfect plans effected
showed the deep interest he had in the
society. The amphitheater and recep-
tion rooms of the Buffalo University
were given over to us. Notices sent out
brought voluntary papers to the secre-
tary in abundance. A program was ar-
ranged 15 days prior to the meeting, as
follows:

PROGRAM.

Tuesday, September 10, 2 p. m.

The Diagnostic value of the Roentgen Rays with
-|. rial rcfri-cncf tu their application in Sledico-
U'Kal cases,

In: Mihkw K KA88ABL4N, Philadelphia, Pa.

An Examining Frame and "One Minute" Locai-
izer, u it h demonstrations,

l»n. s. ||. Mom 1.1 , New York City.
HOW the indue ion static Machine can be excited
without a separate charter.

Di{. John T Pitkin, Buffalo, N. Y.
The X-Ray in country practice,

.i< BEPH C. Clark, Olean, N. Y.
\vh;ir the K-Rajra rtiaw In Actinomycosis,

DR. (. K. I < '-in in., Cedar Rapids, la.

X-Rav work in Great Britain, results of a trip,

Dr. G. P. Girdwood, Montreal, Canada.
Yoluntary Papers, practical demonstrations and
inspection of the Exhibits.

Tuesday, September 10, 8 p.m.

President's Address,

Dr. Heber Robarts, St. Louis, Mo.
The discovery of the Bacilli in Cancer, Prof. Max
S ueller, of Berlin, German University.— Elec-
trotherapy, the safest cure of Lupus Vulgaris—
The most recent inventions and improvement in
Tubes, Coils, Static Machines, etc. (illustra ed)
Julius Silversmith, Chicago, 111.
Researches in the direction of obtaining Shadow-
graphs of the Muscles and ligaments of the body,
H. Westbury, Harrison, N. J.
Brief remarks on the therapeutic value of the
X-Ray and suggestion on a universal co-operation,
Dr. Constaxtix V. S. Boettger, Ottawa, Canada.
"Some Medico-legal X-Rays," illustrated,

Dr. F. v\ esley Sells, Murray, Iowa.
Investigation of X-Ray problems,

Yirgilio Machado, Lisbon, Portugal
Skiagraphy of the concretions in urine, especially
cystine ,

M. U. Dr. R. Jedlicka, Chirurgical Clinic, Prague,

Bohemia.

Wednesday, September 11, 10 a. m.

Why some mistakes are made in Radiography,

Dr. J. N. Scott, Kansas City, Mo.
Description of a simple and efficient form of Elec-
trolytic Interruptor,

Dr. Elmer G. Starr, Buffalo, N. Y.
The treatment of Cutaneous Cancer by the X-Rays,

Dr. G. E. Pfahler, Philadelphia, Pa.
Use of the X-Ray as a Therapeutic Agent. Illus-
trated. Demonstration,

Dr. H. P. Pratt, Chicago, 111.
Some Light R^ys in Tuberculosis,

Dr. J. Mouxt Bleyer, New York City.
X-Ray, an absolute necessity in Dental Surgery,
Dr. Fraxk Austix Roy, New York City.

Wednesday, September 11, 2 p. m.

The X-Ray Tube,

Dr. Emil H. Grubbe, Chicago, 111.
Development in Crooke's Tube* in 1901,

H. Westbury, Harrison, N. J.

X-Ray Machinery,

W. C Fuchs, Chicago, 111.
The Relative Efficiency of X-Ray Generators,

Dr. AY. A. Price, Cleveland, O.
Position in Skiagraphy,

M. E. Parberry, St. Louis, Mo.
Turck's Gyromele and the X-Rays in diagnosis of
the diseases of the Stomach. Demonstration.
Illustrated.

Dr. J. Rudis-Jicixsky, Cedar Rapids, la.
Yoluntary Papers, practical demonstrations and
inspection of the Exhibit.

Committee on Arrangements in Buffalo have plans
for entertaining members.

This was strictly adhered to, with

slight exceptions. The matter these

papers contain is most valuable, and,

with some extractions, will be printed

in The American X-Ray Journal fast

as possible. No one can hope to be

acquainted with the recent evolutions of

this science and art unless they read

and study these papers. Much is lost

in not being present at the meeting.

1 he writings were illustrated in many

instances and elicited inquiry and an-

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

965

swers that writing alone fails to express.
Those who attended this meeting were
many times repaid for their time and
expense. The therapeutics of the
x-rays was gone into very fully. The
facts brought out must attract wide in-
terest. Methods of using the x-rays for
curing malignant disease differed only in
technic, but in every instance reports of
cures were effected or improvement fol-
lowed.

This Buffalo meeting was another sur-
prise. The meeting was more largely
attended than the most sanguine had
hoped. One hundred and five new
names were registered and money paid
for membership. These, of course,
went before the censors. Dr. Roswell
Park, one of our older members and one
of President McKinley's surgeons, ad-
dressed the meeting. Owing to re-
porters bombarding members and glean-
ing from dropped words here and there
at the interum of sessions, and publish-
ing the same as official, Dr. Heber Rob-
arts introduced the following resolution,
which was unanimously adopted:

Resolved: That this society assembled express
its deepest sense of sorrow for the recent afflic-
tion inflicted upon William McKinley, our Presi-
dent of the United States; that our society has
profound confidence in the wisdom and ability of
the great surgeons in charge, and condemn any
and all unkindly remarks that have, unfortu-
nately, been publicly or privately expressed con-
cerning the uses of the Roentgen rays, relying,
as we do, on mitigating circumstances, known to
the surgeons only.

Resolved: That a copy of this resolution be
stricken off and sent to Dr. Roswell Park, a
member of the society.

The new officers elected for the ensu-
ing year are: — President, Dr. G. P.
Girdwood, Montreal, Que.: Secretary,
Dr. James Bell Bullitt, Louisville, Ky. ;
Treasurer, Dr. E. A. Florentine, Sagi-
naw, Mich. An Executive Committee,
having quite plenary scope, was organ-
ized, with Dr. Weston A. Price, of
Cleveland, Ohio, as chairman, and Dr.
Marsh, of Troy, N. Y„ and Dr. John-

son, of Rochester, N. Y., associates.
The closing scenes of the Roentgen So-
ciety was a veritable panegyric of men-
tal rejoicing.

Can anybody refrain from applauding,
yea, more, to sound and herald the
merits of this body? To whom is it
due? More advance has been made in
diagnostic medicine through the x-rays
than any previous hundred years. The
Roentgen ray has done more to remove
the fright of cancer, the dread of lupus
and the shame of eczema than the influ-
ence of all previous knowledge. Truly,
more is in store: excepting the extinct
scourges of medieval times, raying is
destined to wipe out a wider range of
disease by invading the body. Its ac-
tion is already proven benignly in
phthisis, tuberculous joints, kidney
diseases — in fact, all affections where
bacteria is causative.

The Roentgen Ray Society of America
is expected to spread these truths
through the medium of its members.
But let us continuously look for light —
more light, remembering again that it is
the builder that constructs — not the
wrecker. Our mission is onward, while
the destroyers sleep by the wayside.
We follow beacon lights in science and
forget maledictions. We are reaching
out, not blindly into the siftings, but in-
to clearer domains, where the flight of
man aspires. We reach for the stars,
and our ambition is not fulfilled. The
most distant twinklings allure us, and,
solving the wonders there, we plunge
into the abyss beyond, seeking the un-
known. If we are a fraternity, then in
union there is strength. Each member
is strengthened by the strength of the
whole. Then we can better seek the
realm of diagnostic medicine — the phy-
sicians' goal. So we are seeking the
waywardness of man's anatomy, not so
much his mentality. We are looking
for the cause of man's suffering, quite
content with the remedies at hand. We

966

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

These cuts show the rooms in which the Roentgen Society of the United States met in
first annual meeting. Grand Central Palace, New York City, December 13 and 14, 1900.
One room was well filled with exhibits and the other seated for 230 members and
spectators.

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

967

are already proud of our achievements,
of its revolutionizing influences, of the
conquering x-rays. Conscious, how-
ever, of this reward, we behold a new
vista and turn from the proud sense of
victories won to the labors that await
us. Like receding from the small end
of the funnel, the working plane ex-
pands. We take up the taper of accu-
mulated past and with the searching
li°ht seek untrodden paths. Then, ap-
proaching the consummation of our am-
bition, we can proclaim--

With visions clearer than e'en tears could make
The eyes, whose limit was the violet rays,
We now may see, and things that lie beyond —
Life's mysteries long screened are ours today.

The following is a running clipping
from an editorial in the great New York
Medical Record. It was written at the
time Dr. Shrady, the venerable and ac-
complished editor, believed the lamented
President would recover. He writes:

"The only trouble now from the latter
view centers in the present uncertainty
as to the location of the bullet. Although
believed to be lodged in the muscles of
the back somewhere in the lower dorsal
or upper lumbar region, there has been
no means as yet of proving such a point.
Of course, even- hope now rests in the
probability of the missile becoming safe-
ly encysted and consequently harmless.
It is somewhat difficult to understand why,
up to flu's writing, the x-ray, so easily ami
effectually applied, has not been brought
into service. It would hardly be so much
a matter of gratifying curiosity — as re-
marked by one of the eminent surgeons
in the case — as of being absolutely sure
of the terminal track of the missile. It
is to be hoped that the bullet course be-
hind and beyond the stomach is in a
safely closed and aseptic condition.
This would seemingly be the only absolute
guarantee against any future trouble from
secondary suppurating processes. "

The italics are our own. Another ref-

erence to these lines might benefit sur-
geons. Is it possible that the last sen-
tence was a prophesy? May it be pos-
sible for secondary suppurating process-
es to have occurred about the bullet,
the removal of which at the time of in-
jury would have prevented.

In a recent monogram or reprint, if
we remember correctly, Dr. Beck has
some radiographs made from clinical
cases exemplifying "Possible Error in
Skiagraphy." Four pictures are shown,
three of which are radiographs taken at
different angles and one of which fails
utterly to show a fracture, while the
other two show plainly that it is oblique.
In the December, 1899, issue of The
American X-Ray Journal, pages 671 to
674, we argued this point editorially
quite fully and diagramatically showed
exactly what would •occur under certain
conditions. Means were pointed out to
avoid all possible error. The caption
of this article is "Photographs and
Radiographs, Proof of Accuracy Essen-
tial to Admission as Evidence." We
are glad to see that Dr. Beck has had
an opportunity to prove this in practice.
In this particular case irradiation proved
a fracture, without which it would have
been accepted as a bruise. Accuracy in
diagnosis — positive knowledge, not col-
lateral and circumstantial — is what every
doctor needs.

We hope that discussion of the uses
of the x-rays in the lamented President's
case will not occur. No good can come
out of such disputes. As the only x ray
journal in this country we feel it is our
duty to mention this since also we are
the most deeply interested.

Localization methods were numerous
at the Roentgen Society meeting. How-
ever, nothing has yet taken the place of
the fluorometer for simplicity and ac-
curacy.

968

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

STATIC ELECTRICITY.

What It Really Is-A Plain Statement
Divested of Technical Terms and
Misleading Matter.

BY HENRY K. WAITE, M. I).
The claims made bv some recent
writers on static electricity in regard to
their alleged wonderful discoveries are
misleading and unauthentic. The dis-
covery of static electricity was made

Inventor of the First Electric Machine, 1671.
over three centuries ago by Otto Guer-
icke, a Burgomaster in Magdensburg,
Holland, who invented and manufac-

» ELI.CTK % \ I.

First Electric Machine, L671 A. I),
ttired the first static machine in 1671.
He discovered the principles of attrac-
tion and repulsion, also conduction and
a spark, his machine being a sulphur
ball revolving in trunions. In invent-
ing this machine Guericke discovered all

of the currents which have been called
by many names since.

The next inventor was Newton, who
substituted a glass ball in place of the
sulphur one. Later Hawksby discov-
ered the electric glow or electric light
and he brought it prominently before
the public. Subsequently there were a
series of balls used together, and in
1731 Gray made extensive experiments
in producing electricity by rubbing a
glass rod, and charging bodies sus-
pended by silk ropes.

From that time on various styles
were introduced one of which had a
glass cylinder, another a glass plate

First Electro-Therapeut in tne U. S. 1740.

and these were used until Holtz made
his celebrated induction or influence
machine in 1856. This remains today
the most powerful machine for gener-
ating static electricity.

The old writers call attention particu-
larly to their methods of treatment;
they will be found to mention a spark
treatment, Leyden jar shock, and a
brush discharge from points, either
metal or wood. Attention is especially
called 10 the method of treating with
Leyden jars or a Leyden jar modifica-
tion mentioned by these old writers,
which is called the Lane Electrometer,
but which has been claimed by one of

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

969

our recent writers as his induced current
and as having been discovered by him
in 1881. These methods were fully de-
scribed by Cavello, Franklin, Watson,
Priestly, Cuthburtson, and by Adams
over a hundred years ago.

When the history of the subject is
looked into are not the statements of a
very prolific writer of the present time,
who claims to be the discoverer of
induced and wave currents of statical
electricity, ridiculously wide of the
truth? Subjoined is a quotation from
one of the old writers referred to who
had this to say over two centuries ago
and I quote the following from

ADAMS' ESSAY ON ELECTRICITY, I 792.

By the Electric Friction. — "Cover the
part to be rubbed with woolen cloth or
flannel. The patient may be seated in
an insulated chair, and rubbed with the
ball of a director that is in contact with
the conductor; or one may be connected
with the conductor, and rubbed with a
brass ball which communicates with the
ground. The friction thus produced is
evidently more penetrating, more active
and more powerful than that which is
communicated with the flesh brush;
and there is, I apprehend, very little
fear of being thought too sanguine, if
I assert, that this, when used but for a
few minutes, will be found more effica-
cious than the other, after several hours'
application. Electricity applies here
with peculiar propriety to spasm, pleu-
risy, and some stages of the palsy, and
in every case answers the end of blister-
ing where discharge is not wanted, being
the most safe and powerful stimulent
we know."

By causing a current of the electric
fluid to pass from one part of the body,
and tints confining and concentrating its
operation without communicating the
shock. — "Place the patient in an in-
sulated chair, and touch one part of the
body with a director, joined to a positive
conductor: then with a brass ball com-

municating with the ground, touch
another part, and when the machine is
in action the fluid will pass through the
required part, from the conductor to the
ball; the force of the stream will be
different according to the strength of the
machine, etc. Or connect one director
with the cushion and the other with the
positive conductor, and apply these to
the part through which the fluid is to
pass, and when the machine is in action
the electricity will pass from one ball to
the other. It is not necessary to in-
sulate the patient in this case."

By the Shock. — "Which may be given
to an}7 part of the human body, by
introducing that part of the body into
the circuit which is made between the
outside and inside of the bottle. This
is conveniently effected, by connecting
one director by a piece of wire with the
electrometer, and the other with the
outside of the bottle; then hold the
directors by their glass handles, and
apply the balls of them to the extremity
of the parts through which the shocks
are to be passed. The force of the
shock, as we have already observed, is
augmented or diminished by increasing
or lessening the distance between the
two balls, which must be regulated by
the operator to the strength and sensi-
bility of the patient. When the little
bottle with the glass tube is used as
a common bottle, both wires are to be
left there, and the shock is communi-
cated by two directors, one connected
with the bottom, the other with the top
by means of the electrometer. The
operator will often find himself em-
barrassed in giving small shocks, the
fluid passing from the conductor to the
ball of the electrometer, instead of go-
ing through the circuit he desires;
when this happens, which may be known
by the chattering noise of the spark in
passing to the electrometer, the re-
sistance formed to the discharge is so
great, that the fluid can not force its

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

way through the circuit; to remedy this,
and lessen the resistance, pass two
metallic pins through the clothing, so
that they may be in contact with the
skin, which will lessen the resistance,
and conduct the fluid." This is the in-
duced current claimed as a recent discovery.

By a sensation between a shock and the
spark, which does not communicate that
disagreeable feeling attending the common
shock — '-This is effected by taking out
the long wire from the small medical
bottle, and leaving the shorter one
which is connected w'.th the tube in its
place, the directors to be connected and
used as before. In lessening this vibra-
tory shock the electrometer may be
drawn to a much greater distance; for
the rapidity with which the charge of
the bottle sends forward the charge of
the tube, is sufficient to overcome the
resistance of a large body of air. The
effect of this species of shock, if it may
be called one, is to produce a great
vibration in the muscular fibres, without
inducing that pungent sensation which
the shock effects. It is therefore appli-
cable to some stages of palsy and rheu-
matism: it may also serve as an artifi-
cial means of exercise." This is the
-wave current claimed as a new discovery.

/> ! the Bottle Director. — "Insulate the
patient, and place the ball in contact
with him, by which means this director
is charged. Now if the wire is conveyed
from the bottom of this to the top of
another director, the bottle director will
be discharged whenever the ball is
brought in contact with the patient, so
that by bringing it down with rapidity
any number of small shocks may be pro-
cured in a minute. Or connect the in-
sulated patient with the top or inside of
a large charged jar, and then this
apparatus used in the foregoing manner
will discharge from the jar, at each
spark, its own contents, and by repeti-
tion discharge the whole jar; thus a
number of shocks may be given without

continually turning the machine, or em-
ploying an assistant."

By passing the whole fluid contained in
the Lexden Phial through a diseased part
without giving a shock. — "Connect a
director by means of a wire, with the
ball of a Leyden jar; charge the jar
either completely or partially, and then
apply the ball or point of the conductor
to the part intended to be electrified,
and the fluid which was condensed in
the phial will be thrown on the part in
a dense flow stream, attended with a
pungent sensation, which produces a
considerable degree of warmth. If a
wire that communicates with the ground
is placed opposite to the end of the
director, the passage of the fluid will be
rendered more rapid, and the sensation
stronger. Or insulate the patient, con-
nect him with the top of the jar, charge
this, and then apply a metal wire or
piece of wood to the part through which
you mean to make the fluid pass. It is
obvious, that in this case the circuit
between the inside and outside of the
jar is not completed, therefore the shock
will not be felt. The condensed fluid
passes in a dense flow stream through
the required part, while the outside ac-
quires a sufficient quantity from sub-
stances near it to restore the equil-
ibrium."

We shall now analyze the static cur-
rent and see what it really is. There
are only three conditions or rather three
states of static electricity: The first
one a condition of strain (this is when
the apparatus is charging), the second
induction, the third a spark. We first
fill up something, it may be a Leyden
jar, or an insulated patient, and when
voltage is of sufficient force to overcome
the resistance of the dielectric air,
which is between the pole pieces, the
spark jumps and it is discharged: and
this goes on repeatedly and with a
rapidity which depends upon the gener-
ating power of the apparatus.

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

971

We insulate a patient on a platform
which has glass legs; then connect the
positive prime conductor of the machine
to the insulated platform on which the
patient is placed, dropping the other
chain on the floor or grounding it to a
water pipe, it matters little which. We
start the machine in operation, the
patient becomes the extended prime
conductor and practically that patient
becomes the inner coating of the Leyden
jar, the glass legs take the place of the
glass jar, and a chain dropping from a
negative prime conductor to the floor
makes the floor the outer coating of the
Leyden jar. The sliding pole pieces
may now be separated to any desired
distance according to the case about to
be treated. The operator should always
remember that the nearer the balls of
the sliding pole pieces approximate the
more rapid will be the discharge, there
being less resistance to overcome in the
shortened air space. As soon as suffi-
cient voltage accumulates to overcome
the air space a spark jumps, and with
such great rapidity, that it seems almost
a continuous spark producing an oscilla-
tory condition in the entire body. It is
practically a strain and a release; a
push and a pull; filling up and empty-
ing; as, taking a glass of water and
pouring it from one glass to the other;
charge and discharge.

It may be that only the patient's feet
are on the electrode; or his joints may
be wrapped in any suitable conductor
such as lead, tin, tinsel, or moistened
cloth, the whole body is under the in-
fluence of the current. Now separate
the poles widely and the patient is in a
condition of positive strain, which is
called static insulation. If we approch
the patient on the insulated platform
with an electrode held in one hand, we
form a spark gap between the electrode
and the patient. If we use a pointed
electrode we have what is termed a
brush discharge; if it is a ball electrode

we have a disruptive discharge called
the static spark. This may be of greater
or less intensity according to the size
and material of the ball and the distance
from the patient. If the connecting
chain is dropped on the floor the current
will be mild; if connected directly to
the machine it will be very strong; if
held in the hand of the operator, so that
his body becomes part of the circuit you
have a very mild method of application,
which allows you to treat the case from
any side. This form of treatment is
very pleasant to the patient and the one
that should be used when beginning
static treatment.

By this explanation it will be seen
that to have a current there must be a
spark gap, which, in this case is air.
There is no action excepting that of
strain until the spark passes. You must
have a spark or else you have nothing
but insulation, and this spark depends
upon the kind of electrode you use, as
to whether severity or mildness of treat-
ment is desired. If you have a con-
ductor in contact with the patient, and
a spark gap between the patient and
the machine you have a mild effect
which does not irritate the skin.

Whether the spark gap is in one
place or another the result is the same;
it is the make and break of the strain.
This was described by Mouduyt in
1784.

I have found that the static machine
should be run at a speed varying from
fifty to six hundred and fifty revolutions
in therapeutics and for x-rays.

The test of a static machine is the
length of its spark, the radius, one-half
of the diameter of the revolving plates
being the theoretical limit that a static
machine should give under its best con-
ditions. A few words in reference to
leakage of a static machine: A static
machine that does not leak will not give
a current of any quantity.

Static electricity, so called, or static

974

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

Priority, Radio-Therapeutics.

At the Roentgen Ray Society meeting
in Buffalo an attempt was made to start a
discussion on priority of the therapeutic
uses of the x-rays, Dr. Pratt, of Chicago,
read a paper in which he alleges to have
used the rays as early as April 1 3, 1896,
for the cure of lupus. This certainly was
the first effort to so apply the new radia-
tion. In July, 1898, Dr. Hahn, of Ham-
burg, used it successfully in eczema.
Freund and Schiff, of Vienna, used it in
lupus in 1S97. Dr. Kummell, of Ham-
burg, used it in lupus and in 1899, same
year, published an article upon the sub-
ject in the Annals of Electro-Biology.
Professor Rieder, of Munich, published
his researches on bactericidal properties
of the x-rays in 1898 in Medicinische
Wochenschrift. He proved its curative
properties in lupus, eczema, favus, sy-
cosis and psoriasis. Freund, Hahn and
Holland June 15, 1900, published the
treatment of 13 cases of lupus in Gesell-
schaft der Aertze in Mien. Miss Sharp
read her experience at the Roentgen
Society of London, which was published
in Vol. V, Nos. 2 and 4 of the Archives
of the Roentgen Rays.

Becquerel Rays.

The preparations styled radio-active
barium and radio-active bismuth refer
to polonium and radium, respectively,
compounds discovered by Madame
Curie. By elimination and selection
she isolated these from uranium and
thorium ores, particularly the Bohe-
mian pitch-blende. It requires several
hundred pounds of this to obtain a few
grains of the highest efficiency of radio-
activity. When put in a small glass
tube and covered, one end, with paraf-
fined paper, they would emit invisible
rays, behaving like the x-rays. Four
inches from a plate, after 30 minutes'
exposure, the shadow of the hand was
observable, but nor the bones. How-
ever, a piece of metal could be seen

through the hand. The screen fluoresces
with Becquerel rays but too feeble for
practical irradiations. F. Giesel, of
Brunswick, has recently obtained in
very small quantities slightly superior
radio-activity.

One feature of the x-rays was well
shown at the Buffalo meeting of the
Roentgen Society in that we are in a
condition of evolution. The science is
not fixed, but with all its marvelous
strides already made useful to man, it is
fast growing. Apparatus exhibited at
the New York meeting show at the Buf-
falo meeting great changes. This is
especially the case in simplicity of work-
ing parts ana the controlling machinery.

The October issue of The American
X-Ray Journal will contain some illus-
trations of the therapeutics of the x-ra)s
especially as it pertains to malignant
growths. Clear description, of the meth-
od of using the x-rays in these cases will
be given. The importance of this mat-
ter is so great the editor will answer per-
sonal inquiry assisting others in raying.

There are now several women mem-
bers of the Roentgen Society of America.

Antikamnia and Heroin Tablets.

This is a new combination tablet containing
five grains of antikamnia and one-twelfth grain
of heroin hydrochloride (muriate) and the medi-
cal profession is so well acquainted with the two
drugs composing it that it is needless to go into
their respective histories. These tablets, aside
from their use as a respiratory stimulent, sedative,
analgesic and expectorant have been found an
excellent remedy for the relief of pain and also a
valuable anti-spasmodic in whooping cough.
They are an efficient analgesic in the neuralgias,
especially in sciatica, trigeminal and intercostal
neuralgia. In the treatment of the morphine
habit they are said to be of highest value. They
constitute the safest and most efficient remedy
in the treatment of cough, dyspnoea, phthsis,
bronchial and laryngeal affections, emphysema
and pneumonia. They have also been employed
with very great success in hay fever, coryza, etc.

Administered for the severe pains of rheuma-
tism, gout and lumbago, as well as for the light-

ADVERTISEMENTS.

Ill

ning pains of locomotor ataxia, there is no quick-
er and more lasting remedy.

To adults they should be administered in one
tablet doses, repeated every two, three or four
hours, as indications warrant. Children accord-
ing to age. A method which is preferred by
many practitioners, particularly in respiratory
ailments, is to direct patients to allow the tablet
to slowly dissolve on the tongue, swallowing the
saliva as the solution of the tablet progresses.

Book Review.

Webster's International Dictionary, of the
English Language with a Supplement of 95,000
words and phrases by W. T. Harris, Ph. D.,
LL. D., Editor in Chief, Springfield, Mass.
Published by G. & C. Merriam Company, 1900.

This is certainly the most nearly perfect lexicon
of the English language. The book now com-
prises more than 2,200 pages. In addition to the
usual lexicographic contents, there are nearly 400
pages devoted to a Dictionary of Noted Names in
Fiction; A Pronouncing Gazetteer; A Pronounc-
ing Biographical Dictionary; Pronunciation of
Scripture Proper Names, of Greek and Latin
Proper Names; A Vocabulary of Common Eng-
lish Christian Names; Quotations, Words,
Phrases, Proverbs and Colloquial Expressions;
Signs used in Writing and Printing; Selection of
Pictorial Illustrations embodying the flora, fauna,

science and art; Guide to Pronunciation; List of
Words Spelled in Two or More Ways; List of
Amended Spellings, and Abbreviations, together
with other information.

This dictionary is an improvement upon all
former editions. The newer words and phrases
brought about by the recent intermingling of dis-
similar races, due to war and unprecedented
commercial energy throughout the world, is here-
in found. Nowhere else can these be found.
The definitions of words are ample, clear and
concise. Every person who regards knowledge
must appreciate the superiority of the Inter-
national Dictionary.

The cheaper books styled Webster's Dictionary
are makeshifts and must disappoint and chagrin
the buyer, for the definitions are often defective,
many words absent and type and binding cheap.
It is more difficult to purge the mind of false
teaching than to learn correctly. Webster's
International Dictionary will not burden the mind
with unloading.

Mr. Puffer, manager of the Rochester Fluo-
rometer Co., has reduced the price of the fluo-
rometer from S100 to $50, which includes their
fine operating table. They have also an im-
proved apparatus, with which the fluorometer
can be used with any table or on the floor, and
is now sold at a very reasonable price.

The Kinraide High-Frequency Coil.

The best
apparatus
for use
with the
direct or
alternating
current*

••••••••••••

SEND FOR

DESCRIPTIVE

CIRCULAR.

EX B. Meyrowitz,

Maker of Ophthalmological Apparatus, Complete Standard Electro-Therapeutic Equipments.

X-Ray Apparatus and High Grade Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Instruments.
104 East Twenty-third Street, )

West Forty-second Street, [ NEW YORK,

125

650 Madison Avenue,

604 Nicollet Avenue, Minneapolis.
360 St. Peter Street, St. Paul.
3 rue Scribe, Paris, France.

LI GE OF PHYSICIAN!

THE

IV

ADVERTISEMENTS.

The St. Louis

X-Ray Laboratory

Is owned and managed by

MR. M. E. PARBERRY, m. e.

Member of the Roentgen Society of the United States.

THE appointments of this Laboratory are as nearly complete as pro-
fessional skill can accomplish. The static machine is of the highest
grade and type and the coils are of the most recent designs. There
are indications for the use of two designs of coils depending upon penetration
and shadowing, which in each case must be selected. Likewise the static
machine comes in requisition for another class.

One coil is equipped with an independent multiple vibrator, an interlock-
ing switch, a fuse block, series and parallel spark gaps; and it may run on the
1 10 volt direct current circuit, no volt alternating current circuit, seven cells
of storage battery, 14, 40, 70 volts, either its own or mechanical break, the
electrolytic break or any outside break of the mechanical or mercurial type.
The automobile service is a convenience to physicians where it is found im-
practicable to move the patient from home or from hospital.

The experimental stage of the x-rays has passed and physicians now ask
for clearer definition and proof of the accuracy of the picture shown. These
two requisites are here accomplished. The aim is to reach as near scientific
perfection as can be done and to offer to the medical profession a correct sys-
tem indisputable in many cases and in others corroborative evidence. We
have done work for more than 200 physicians, but desire to enlist the patron-
age of all doctors both in and out of the city. No delay will occur when
called to outside towns.

Our work includes pictures of the hip joint, stone in the kidneys, gall
stones, tumors, abscesses and other work that formerly proved so difficult or

impossible.

We cordially solicit personal inspection of our work by physicians and
surgeons.

M. E. PARBERRY, Manager.

Chemical Building.

THE AMERICAN

X-RAY JOURNAL.

Devoted to Practical X-Ray Work and Allied Arts and Sciences.

PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY THE AMERICAN X-RAY PUBLISHING COMPANY.

HEBER ROBARTS, M. D., M. E., Editor.

SUBSCRIPTION RATES— IN ADVANCE.
United States, Canada and Mexico $3.00 | Foreign Countries $4.00

Single Copies 25 | Single Copies 35

Editorial matter should be addressed to Dr. Heber Robarts, Editor, Suite 301 Chemical Bldg., St. Louis.

All business matter should be addressed to The American X-Ray Journal Publishing Co., same address.

All contributors of original articles and other matter relative to X-Radiance, of interest to the medical
profession, are solicited from all parts of the world. Contributors will be furnished a liberal number of
extra copies of the Journal containing their articles.

Translation of articles written in German, French and Spanish is made by Frank Ring, M. D., 611
Chemical Building, St. Louis.

Entered at the Postofflce at St. Louis, Mo., as Second-Class Matter.

VOL. 9. ST. LOUIS, OCTOBER, 1901.

NO.

CONTENTS OF VOL 9, NO. 3

CONTENTS OF VOL. 9, NO. 4.

Dr, G. P. Girdwood, Second President
Roentgen Ray Society of America.

Dr- Heber Robarts, First President
Roentgen Ray Society of America.

Illustrations.

Static Electricity.

Editorials.

Radiographs.

Priority, Radio-Therapeutics.
Becquerel Rays.

President's Case, Diagramatical.

J. Rudis-Jicinsky, M. D., Retiring Sec-
retary Roentgen Society of America.
A Letter.

Recovered Case of Lupus.

Diagnosis of Renal Calculi.

Roentgen Rays in Military Surgery.

Becquerel Ray Burning.

Reasons Not Facts Altogether.

The Treatment of Cutaneous Cance

With the X-Rays.
The Treatment of Congenital Club

Foot.
Inconsistencies.
Book Reviews.

THE AMERICAN

X-RAY JOURNAL.

Devoted to Practical X-Ray Work and Allied Arts and Sciences.

VOL. 9. ST. LOUIS, OCTOBER, 1901. NO. 4.

A Letter.

We are in receipt of a letter from
Dr. Carl Beck, of New York City, dated
September 23, 1901, in which he writes:

"'Dear Friend Dr. Robarts:

' 'I received the Journal this morning and hasten
to congratulate you on the successful meeting at
Buffalo. It is especially gratifying to me to see
that you have elected a splendid set of officers
and whatever I can do to encourage others to
enter the society, shall be done. The only
feature I do not like at all is that you did not
accept the presidency again. The best men of
the society have not done one-tenth as much as
you did to build the society up under the most
difficult circumstances. If I would have been
able to follow my intention to be present I
would have given expression to these feelings of
mine. But I still had to be in the White Moun-
tains at the time and had to take care of my
burned hands. I experimented with new tubes
of great power and am quite sure that it was my
own fault that I was injured."

Constant readers of The American
X Ray Journal will recall the studious
effort of the editor to suppress all flattery
of himself or personal mention where it
could be avoided. But there is a far-
reaching motive in this reference that
will be understood by many now and by
all a little later. Of course, all publish-
ers and editors have received praise-
worthy notes and compensating ones
containing the venom of the culprit.
WTith us it matters personally but little,
for praise and calumny strike us about
alike. Mr. Lincoln said that "When
you come to rub up against men you find
them about alike. " If there is any break
in this rule it is in consanguinity.

Dr. Beck writes from the heart, be
lieves what he says and writes what he
thinks. He is an enthusiast and a build-
er. He has written inductively upon the
x-rays and done more to spread its correct
teachings than any doctor at home or
abroad. His book upon "Fractures" is
classic and is the first effort of the kind
by any surgeon. A doctor can not hope
to be familiar with the modern practice
of setting fractures without this book for
reference. He has written scores of
articles on surgical procedure with the
x-rays as the surgical impliment for ac-
curate diagnosis. It is no flattery to him
in particular, but to the great domain of
the sciences, to say that he has done
more to arrive at a correct method of
surgical diagnosis than any living man.
Of course, from the first issue he has al-
ways been a close reader of The American
X-Ray Journal. The many egregious
errors and recoiling mistakes made by
men that have grown strong in other de-
partments is due to lack of proper read-
ing and the pratice of its precepts. Dr.
Beck has evaded these mistakes. His
counsel at the meetings of the Roentgen
Ray Society will be most valuable.

The newly elected president of the
society is one of its most enthusiastic
workers. Dr. Girdwood cut short his
European trip to be present at the Buffalo
meeting. When asked to give ex-
pression concerning the treatment of
Mr. McKinley, by newspaper reporters,
he instantly replied: "See the doctors
in the case. I am not in the gossip

976

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

business." His discussion of papers al-
ways drew closest attention. He is
scholary, dignified, and kind and was
the best material for president. He need
not, and it is now not necessary to write
etters every day in the year, neither will
ie need to question himself: "Am I a
missionary or a financier?"

Going back to Dr. Beck's letter, he
adds: — "I trust you will appreciate the
spirit of admiration for the great strides
of the profession in this country, in which
to participate, I believe, is one of the
greatest privileges of mankind. In a
decade men will wonder why the x-rays
had to beg for admission into the hearts
of the profession — what fools those mor-
tals be! And among the best your name
will shine in the foreground then."

In The American X-Ray Journal for
September, page 967, we referred to
Dr. Beck's reprint, "Possible Error in
Skiagraphy" and called his attention to
an editorial on pages 671-674, the title of
which is"Photographs and Radiographs,
Proof of Accuracy Essential to Admis-
sion as Evidence." The doctor reminds
us that two months previous to this edi-
torial he had advanced the same points
before the German Medical Society of
New York City, October 2, 1899, a rec-
ord of which is made in New Yorker
Medicinische Wochenschrift. We dia-
gramatically showed methods for correct-
ing distortions and reasons inaccuracies
accompanied x-ray operators. Subse-
luently a Western New York doctor
claimed priority, but he has shown noth-
ing in evidence.

In this connection it is interesting to
note that Dr. Kean, who was formerly
frowning on the x-rays, is now one of its
most enthusiastic supporters. So it is
.^een again that the devotee has encour-
agement. As we have before said: "The
complainer and wrecker fall together
while the enthusiast and builder go on
forever."

Recovered Case of Lupus.

The electro herewith shows a condi-
tion of a patient after being cured of
Lupus by the x-rays. The young lady
gave a history of malignancy in mother
and grandmother. The disease had
been of 18 months' origin and spread
rapidly over nose, inner canthus of both
eyes and considerably over both cheeks.
She had been treated with "paste,"
which denuded the parts and left scar
tissue and prominent blood vessels.
The disease rapidly recurred and at the

time she went under x-ray treatment
could not sleep on account of pain.
She was greatly emaciated.

A large German tube with a large
static machine was employed, and 49 ex-
posures were made. The tube was made
to show articulations of the joints of the
hand four feet away. Exposures were
made daily of 12 minutes' duration, 10
inches from the face, the healthy tissue
being protected with ^-inch surgeon's
felt and a lead-zinc screen. Pain en-
tirely ceased on the 10th day and never
returned. The entire wound healed on
the 40th treatment. The prominent
blood vessels and scar tissue had greatly
diminished on the 49th exposure, when
the patient left for her home, 300 miles
away. One year after, she wrote: "I
am entirely well. The veins and scars

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

977

are gone and no one can tell that I ever
had a disease. My health was never
better than now." In treating this case
no local nor constitutional medication
was used. The picture was taken at
the time she wrote the above lines. No
picture was made when treatment be-
gan. Dr. Wm. Mayfield, of this city,
sent the patient to the St. Louis X-Ray
Laboratory for treatment.

Diagnosis of Renal Calculi.

A paper upon this subject was read by
Dr. F. D. Carpenter, before the San
Francisco Medical Society and is print-
ed in full in the September issue of
American Journal of Surgery and Gynecol-
ogy. It is worth reading. Dr. Carpen-
ter has not had much experience with
the x-rays in these cases and frankly
says so, but concludes his paper: "The
abdomen is the most difficult portion of
the body to x-ray, yet I believe that
sooner or later this will be one of the
established means of confirming the di-
agnosis." It is possibly not strange,
that all writers referring to the rays,
whose work with it has been limited, in-
variably speak hopefully of its future.
If all readers would rightfully under-
stand that the author of an article only
expresses his personal judgment, then
less confusion and false opinions would
gain ground. Dr. Carpenter writes: "I
believe sooner or later this will be one
of the established means of confirming
the diagnosis." It is a fact if this had
been written early in 1896 it would have
been timely and optimistic. But it was
read before the society in April, 1901.
four years at least, after the facts "I be-
lieve," were established beyond contro-
versy throughout the civilized world.
Nobody acquainted with the facts has,
for several years, questioned that the
x-rays has "established means of con-
firming the diagnosis" of stone in the
kidneys.

Roentgen Rays in Military
Surgery.

This is the title to a paper read by
Dr. J. Hall Edwards, of Birmingham,
England, before the British Medical
Association, August 1, 1901. Dr. Ed-
wards has been in South Africa as Sur-
geon Radiographer to the Imperial Yeo-
manry Hospital, throughout the entire
Kingdom, and wherever the x-rays are
used, Dr. Edwards' name is classic.
He has done more to harmonize the sur-
gical classes with uses of the x-rays than
any other one surgeon in England. It
is interesting to note that, though so
much was written concerning his ingen-
ious bicycle for charging the accumula-
tors he pronounces it a complete failure.
He says: "The Kaffirs took great in-
terest in the proceedings, so I let them
have a turn, but they soon gave in and
lost all further interest in the object
which had so bewildered them. I have
no hesitation in saying that the bicycle
arrangement is a failure, and that the
machine I had so carefully designed is
a monument of misplaced confidence."

He applauds the electrolytic inter-
rupter above all other designs. The
doctor, in one sentence, says a good
deal, which must be very offensive
to the American writers on the "in-
accuracies" of the x-rays. It is this:
"Professor Roentgen's discovery has
placed in the hands of military surgeons
an 'accurate' method of diagnosing oi
inestimable value."

Among the interesting cases cited the
one of Mr. A. D. Fripp is exceptional.
A Mauser bullet was located in the spi-
nal column; a laminectomy was per-
formed and a bullet removed with the
greatest possible success. On admission
the patient was paralyzed in both legs
and had lost control over bladder and
rectum. The removal of bullet allevi-
ated the symptoms. "I am pleased to
say," Dr. Edwards writes, "that at the

978

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

present time the patient can move about
with the aid of sticks and has a fair
chance of complete recovery." This
case had been brought to the hospital
from Mafeking after the relief, where the
x-rays had been used for the purpose of
locating the bullet with complete failure.
Localizing instruments were used in all
cases. This is most important. Strange,
an ex-president of our American Medical
Association was not able to use accurate
localizers. A case is in point. We
quote from the words of Dr. Edwards:
"In no case was a bullet missed after a
localization had been made; although in
one case I think tt would have occurred
had I not been present at the time of the
operation. In this case a man was
brought in with a suppurating wound
over the patella of the knee, and a his-
tory of having been operated upon for
the purpose of finding a bullet, the pres-
ence of which had been demonstrated
by the x-rays. Several weeks were al-
lowed to elapse before anything could
be done. When the wound was quite
healed a localization was made, and as
it was thought advisable to remove the
bullet, an operation was arranged for.
The surgeon cut down under the local-
izing marks until the surface of the fe-
mur was reached, and no signs of the
bullet being visible, he arrived at the
conclusion that some mistake had been
made in the localization. A careful in-
spection of the bone led to the discovery
of a minute crack immediately under
my marks, and upon my advice the sur-
geon removed a small piece of bone
with a chisel, when the nose of the bul-
let at once became visible and the mis-
sile was removed. Had I not been pres-
ent at this operation, the search might
have been once more abandoned and
the case might have been handed down
to posterity as a glaring example of the
uselessness of the x-rays. The failure
to find the bullet on the first occasion
was undoubtedly due to a want of knowl-

edge of, and sufficient confidence in the
possibility of the x-rays."

I desire to quote again from Dr. Ed- •
wards. This case has points of interest
that may help some surgeons where they
are pinched for adequate reasons for not
removing a bullet at the time of the op-
eration. I have been exactly in this sit-
uation:

' 'Another exceedingly interesting case,
and one which points to a moral, was
one which came under the care of my
friend, Mr. H. A. Ballance, of Norwich;
and it is with his kind permission that I
mention it here. It occurred in the case
of a man who had an entrance wound
three-quarters of an inch in length, sit-
uated half an inch to the right of the
middle line of the back, on a level with
the sixth Dorsal Spine. There was a
tender spot in front, about the middle of
the second right Costal Cartilage. An ex-
amination with the fluorescent screen
showed the presence of a shrapnel bullet.
This was localized with some difficulty,
owing to the movements of the chest
wall, at a depth of one-and-a-quarter
inches. As the man was exceedingly
well nourished, and was very muscular
into the bargain, a discussion took place
as to the whereabouts of the missile. A
re-examination with the fluorescent
screen showed that the bullet moved
very slightly during the acts of inspira-
tion and respiration, and that the move-
ments coincided with those of the chest
wall and not with those of the lung. It
was thought, and in all probability the
bullet had just penetrated the lung, and
that an inflammatory area had been set
up, causing adhesions. At the opera-
tion, Mr. Ballance resected portions of
two ribs, when, after a slight dissection,
the presence of the bullet could be de-
tected with the finger. During the ex-
amination, however, the lung suddenly
collapsed, carrying the bullet with it.
On inserting the finger into the chest,
the bullet could be distinctly felt on the

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

979

surface of the lung; but could not, for
obvious reasons, be removed. The
wound was stitched up, and dressed,
and the patient sent back to his bed.
In ten days' time it was found that the
lung had again assumed its normal con-
dition, and it was decided to once more
operate. The wound was ; reopened,
and the bullet was removed without the
slightest difficulty — new adhesions hold-
ing the lung in position. In this inter-
esting case, I very much doubt if the
use of Wheatstone's Stereoscope would
have helped us very much, as the bullet,
although embedded in the lung, was sit-
uated at such a short distance from
the ribs, that even under these cond:
tions its exact locale would have been
to a great extent a matter of specula-
tion."

Prior to the commencement of the war,
Dr. Edwards writes: "Few members
of the Royal Army Medical Corps had
received any training in this most im-
portant branch of military medical work;
and most of those who had undergone a
course, freely admitted that it was inad-
equate to give them a complete knowl-
edge of the subject."

Becquerel Ray Burning.

The American X-Rav Journal has
previously alluded to the burn Becquer-
el accidentally received from radium.
The Electrical World and Engineer,
N. Y. , Sept. 14, observes on this sub-
ject: "In addition to the ordinary sun-
burning which is prevalent in the north-
ern hemisphere about this time of year,
and is sought by giddy girls or callow
boys, we have arc light burns, x-ray
burns and Becquerel ray burns. It seems
likely that the action in each of these
cases is similar, but a careful compara-
tive investigation into the differences of
action would probably be both useful
and interesting. While the sun burns
at a distance of ninety-odd millions of

miles, the arc light and Crooke's tube act
at a few centimeters, and radium at a
few millimeters."

Reasons Not Facts Alto-
gether.

At the Roentgen Ray Society at Buf-
falo, a manufacturer of x-ray machines
and a member of the society, complained
that The American X-Ray Journal
published a radiograph of the arteries
of the pelvis and failed to give ways for
making such an x-ray picture. He con-
tended that nothing should go into The
Journal without an adequate explana-
tion. The point is well taken. In this
particular instance of the hip we pre-
judged possibly too much, for it seemed
at the time that everybody would know
it was an injected subject. Occasion-
ally light shadows of normal arteries are
shown, but no one has thus far been
able to control radiance to the degree of
repeating the picture in the manner and
certainty of showing bones. Some
newspaper articles have appeared ex-
ploiting such a discovery, but the truth
is not apparent. A case in point in the
Sept. 21 number of the Philadelphia
Medical Journal, ''On the treatment of
Women's Diseases by Electricity," ex-
tracted from a paper read before the
Society of Gynecologists, St. Peters-
burg, by Dr. A. N. Alexandroff. The
extraction relates 14 cases of oophoritis,
6 cured; 10 of salpingitis and 3 were
cured; 12 cases of parametritis and 11
cured; 5 cases of perisalpingitis and 4
cured, and several other diseases men-
tioned, but not a word on nature of the
current or method of application. Of
course, such tables are practically worth-
less without the details for imitation and
judgment. Distance lends some credit
to the report, for wise men are far and
divine. The same sort of a report from
a home doctor would hardly find room
in an American journal.

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

The Treatment of Cutaneous
Cancer with the X-Rays.

Read before the Roentgen Society oi America, Uni-
versity Building, Buffalo, N. Y., Sept. 10, 11, 1^01,
BY GEORGE E. PFAHLER, M.D.,
Assistant Chief Resident Physician and Skia-
grapher to the Philadelphia Hospital.

The following cases came under my ob-
servation in the Phialdelphia Hospital,
and the results obtained from the use of
the x-rays have been sufficiently encour-
aging to justify me in placing them on
record. I take this method of doing it,
trusting that the society will be inter-
ested.

Case No. i was a white woman, age
70, admitted to the hospital July 5, 1900,
for senile dementia. Her family history
was negative. Twelve years ago a small
sore developed upon the nose beneath the
bridge of the spectacles. A crust soon
covered it, but as fast as it formed it was
removed, each time leaving the ulcer a
little larger. The ulcer had increased in
size more rapidly during the past year.
This was specially noticeable during her
stay in the hospital. Her mental condi-
tion improved and she was transferred
from the detention ward to the skin ward.
The growth upon her nose was diagnosed
as cancer by the visiting surgeons and
dermatologists, and was considered in-
operable. After consultation with Dr.
Stellwagon, tne dermatologist on duty,
we decided to expose the growth to the
x-rays.

At this time the ulcer involved the en-
tire base of the nose, was 3.5 c. m. in
diameter, and extended into the inner
canthus of each eye, as is shown in the
photograph.

Treatment was begun Febuary 12,
1 901. A leaden mask was made to cover
the entire face except that portion which
was involved by the cancer. Kxposures
were made on alternate days, for ten
minutes each day, at a distance of about
25 c. m. from the tube, and with a current
strength of ten amperes. A soft light was

used from a tube with a vacuum corre-
sponding to a parallel sparkgap of about
4 c. m.

The first effect produced was a drying
of the secretions, which was noticed after
two days. Then a crust formed, and
the edges assumed a healthy appearance.
After two weeks the ulcer began to heal
from the edges toward the centre, and in
three weeks was 1 c. m. less in diameter.
In three months the ulcer was reduced
to .5 c. m. in diameter and was replaced
by healthy scar tissue, excepting the right
inner canthus which was much improved,
but not yet healed. I regret that a pho-
tograph was not made at this time. She
then had an outbreak of insanity, and
treatment had to be suspended. This
condition of affairs has been recurring
since, and her general health has failed,,
so that at the present time the ulcer has
again reached its original size.

Case No. 2. W. S., male, age 57,.

white, was brought to the hospital
October 29, 1900, suffering from gen-
eral paresis. One sister died of car-
cinoma and one of phthisis. Otherwise
the family history was negative.

Four years ago a small warty growth
developed at the inner canthus of the
left eye. This increased progressively
in size and soon ulcerated. A diagnosis
of epithelioma was made and treatment
begun March 8, 1901. At this time, as
his photograph will show, the cancer had

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

981

involved the inner canthus of the left eye
and both lids, to the extent of two-thirds
of the palpebral fissure. It extended
downward to one half the extent of the
nose. One of the left submaxillary
glands was involved. The same tech-
nique was used in the treatment of this
case as in the former one.

After the first two exposures a diminu-
tion in secretion was noted, and after
one month the lower portion of the
growth had been replaced by apparently
healthy skin. There was a gradual im-
provement, despite the fact that the
patient's general condition was growing
progressively worse. On account of the
difficulty in handling him, the intervals
had to be increased, but by July 11, the
open surface was reduced to .5 c. m., and
this was granulating. The epithelioma
had been replaced by what appeared to
be healthy skin, except the margin of the
open surface, which was thickened. The
indurated submaxillary gland had dis-
appeared. I expected him to be well of
the cancer in a week or two, when he
died of one of the episodes of general
paresis on July 17. The accompanying
photograph will show the condition at
this time.

I would like to add that in this case it
was impossible to shield the eye com-
pletely, but no bad results followed, not
even a conjunctivitis. This patient had
in all 34 exposures.

Case No. 3. D. H., male, age 70,
white, one of our workmen. One sister
died with a growth about the knee which
had existed five years. Otherwise the
family history was negative.

Four years ago a small papule appeared
upon the right lower eyelid. This never
disappeared, but as fast as a crust would
form it would be torn off, each time leav-
ing the growth a little larger. During
the past year it has increased more rap-
idly in size. A diagnosis of epithelioma
was made by one of our surgeons, a
dermatologist, and an opthmologist,

and treatment was begun April 26, 1901.

At this time an elevated growth with
an ulcerating surface occupied one-half

of the central portion of the lower eye-
lid. In this case the same technique was
used as before, except that I allowed the
interval to be governed by the effect pro-
duced, and varied from one to nine days.
In each instance I allowed the inflam-
matory reaction to disappear before re-
newing the exposure. It was completely
healed in two months, after nineteen ex-
posures, and has remained healthy dur-
ing the past two and one-half months.
The epithelioma has been replaced by
healthy skin, and a scar not more than
1 mm in width, which is freely movable.
This covers a groove which indicates the
site of previous destruction of the deeper
tissues. The result obtained in this case
is shown by the photograph taken two
months after beginning treatment.

I have treated three other cases all of
which show improvement, but are not
yet well.

I regret that owing to the fact that the
sections made from the cases reported
above were poorly preserved, the pathol-
ogist was unable to make a satisfactory
examination. The cases were shown,
however, to the Dermatological Society
of Philadelphia, on May 21, when no
question was raised as to the diagnosis.
Dr. Kascher, one of the resident physi-
cians, very kindly made the photograph
for me.

I am not the first to use this method of

9^2

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

treatment, but began independently, be-
fore I had read the only report already
made.

The literature on the subject is very
meager, and consists of a few isolated
preliminary reports from men who have
begun the treatment at about the same
time, and apparently worked independ-
ently.

The first report that I find on record
is that by Johnson and Merrill, of Wash-

ington D. C, published in the Phil-
adelphia Medical Journal, December 8,
1900. They began treatment September
6, 1S99, upon a man who had a re-
current epithelioma of the left cheek.
Exposures were made every other day
until fifteen were given.

The first result of the treatment was
a diminution in the secretion and a
firmer crust. Six months later a healthy
scar had replaced the ulcer. Their sec-
ond case was an epithelial cancer of the
nose, the diagnosis being confirmed by
microscopical examinations. Treatment
was begun February 17, 1900. Ex-
posures were made on alternate days of
ten minutes each. Treatment had to be
interrupted twice on account of der-
matitis, but in six weeks nearly the en-
tire growth had been replaced by healthy
tissue. Since this report has been pub-
lished I learn that they have treated an
epithelioma of the lower lip, a recurrent
carcinoma of the breast in which they
noticed lessening in pain and slight
diminution of the size of the tumor, also
two cancerous growths on the nose, with
success.

In The British Medical Journal,
February 9, 1901, we find a preliminary
report of twelve cases of rodent ulcer
treated by Dr. James H. Sequira, of
London. A patient was sent to him for
the Finsen Treatment, but not being
able to stand the pressure of the appa-
ratus, treatment was begun by the x-
rays, August 9, 1900.

The ulcer had been in progress eight
years, had been operated on four times,
and four years ago had been deemed
unfit for further operation. The ulcer
extended from the posterior surface of
the auricle to within a short distance of
the external occipital protuberance. At
the junction of the scalp with the pos-
terior aspect of the ear, the ulceration
was very deep, and the ear itself was
invaded, so that there appeared to be
every probability of these parts sepa-
rating should the disease extend further.
Microscopical examination proved it to
be rodent ulcer. At the end of one week
the discharge was less, and the ulcer
cleaner and somewhat shallower. At
the end of thirteen weeks the ulcer was
practically healed.

His second case was a rodent ulcer

involving the inner canthus of the right
eye, and part of the nose and cheek.
This was completely healed in about two
months, and at the time of the report,
two months later, the scar was perfectly
sound. Of the twelve cases treated by
Sequira, eight were still under treat-
ment, and four under observation, the
ulcer having been entirely healed. The
treatment consisted of daily exposures of
ten minutes each, with the tube at a

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

983

distance of 15 cm. from the ulcer, with
a 10-inch coil, and a current of 3-4 am-
peres.

Dr. Stenbeck, of Stockholm (1) re-
ports a case upon which he began treat-
ment September 15, 1900. His case re-
quired thirty-five daily sittings, of ten
minutes each, at a distance of 10 c. m.
The scar was still healthy one month
after treatment.

In the Boston Medical and Surgical
Journal of January 17, 1901, Dr. Wil-
liams expresses himself favorable to this
form of treatment of cancer, and reports
improvement in cases under his care.

Dr. Andrew Clark reports in the British
Medical Journal of June 9, 1901, a re-
markable improvement in a case of
chronic carcinoma of the breast. The
induration as gradually fading, and the
auxiliary glands decreasing in size, the
pain diminishing, and the general condi-
tion of the patient improving. Expos-
ures were made five days in the week,
and- continued from ten to fifteen min-
utes. In all the cases treated the pain
has been diminished or relieved, the
growth diminished or removed, and the
general condition of the patient im-
proved. In no case now on record did
any serious x-ray burn result. No other
treatment was used in any of these cases.

The medical profession today recog-
nizes that cancer can be cured when
localized in a region favorable for opera-
tion. Many patients, however, even in
favorable cases, on account of fear of the
knife, or painful caustics, postpone oper-
ation until glandular involvement has
taken place and all hope for cure is lost.
Having now at hand an agent that is not
painful, but soothing and yet effectual,
we have removed the most cause for
delay, and can recommend its use in all
such, and in all inoperable cases. Let
us then add our little mite toward bring-
ing this common, insidious, and most
loathsome disease under control.

Philadelphia, Pa.

The Treatment of Congen-
ital Club Foot.

Dr. James K. Young, Professor of
Orthopedic Surgery, Philadelphia Poly-
clinic, in the International Medical Mag-
azine for September, writes:

"(5) Astragalectomy. The removal
of the astraglus is the best operation
where it is necessary to correct very se-
vere cases, but it should not be under-
taken if the patient is under seven years
of age, unless the bone is very greatly
deformed. If the patient is treated from
birth as recommended, and if multiple
tenotomy with manual correction is per-
formed early, it will seldom be neces-
sary to resort to astragalectomy, unless
the astraglus is very greatly deformed.
Skiagraphs are of great value in deter-
mining whether the astraglus will fit in
between the two malleoli. If this bone
is so much deformed that it can not be
replaced after the soft tissues have been
divided, it will be necessary to remove
it, and this may now be frequently de-
rermined before the operation is begun
by means of x-ray photograph)'. After
the astragalus has been removed it is al-
ways necessary to cut the tendo achil-
les."

Every doctor and every scholar taking
pride in knowledge of the Roentgen
Rays reads The American* X-Ray Jour-
nal. It is for this reason Elihu Thom-
son, Wm. Meadowcraft, Nikola Tesla,
Carl Beck, J. B. Murphy, Roswell Park
and the class that make history read
The Journal.

Dr. Cummings, in Practice and Review
for July, voices the teachings of The
American X-Ray Journal long ago ex-
pressed, that error in determining urin-
ary calculi is due to "faulty technique
and inability to correctly interpret the
skiagraph and not to the method it-
self."

9*4

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

Inconsistencies.

It is most gratifying to note that the
firm stand taken by The American
X Ray Journal many months ago
against the inconsistencies of writers
upon the "Inaccuracies of theX-Rays,"
has silenced all such pretenders. Writers
are now appearing in the assumed garb
of originality, disclaiming the possibility
of inaccuracies of the x-rays. Continue
to write, brothers; it is possible every-
body has not read The American X-Ray
Journal.

Dr. George G. Hopkins, in the Phil-
adelphia Medical Journal, is writing a
most interesting series of articles en-
titled, ''Light and Radiance in the Treat-
ment of Disease." There is one para-
graph we wish to refer to: "The x-rays
has been and is being tried; but as it
has so much bony substance to pass
through before reaching the diseased

structure within the chest, there is great
danger of doing damage to the superim-
posed tissue of the chest, if sufficiently
hard tubes are used to penetrate the
diseased lung." The records do not
show damage done to the chest when
sufficiently hard tubes are used to pen-
etrate diseased lungs. The rays do not
kill the germ in the manner of germi-
cides. There is a reaction established
by the rays, which empowers nature to
do the work of establishing health when
there was disease. The vis medicatrix
nature is the power brought out and
enthroned. The phagocytes are here
in evidence.

Book Review.

A Treatise on the Acute Infections Exanthemata,
including Variola, Rubiola, Scarlatina, Rubella,
Varicella and Vaccinia, with Especial Reference
to Diagnosis and Treatment, by William Thomas
Corlett, M. D., L. R. C. P., London. Professor
of Dermatology and Syphilology in Western Re-
serve University; Physician for Diseases of the

. W, ft - ■

METHOD OF < I TTINC OFF UNNECESSARY RAYS WHILE TREATING CANCER,
st. Louis X-Ray Laboratory.

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

985

Skin to Lakeside Hospital; Consulting Derma-
talogist to charity Hospital, St. Alexis Hospital,
and the City Hospital, Cleveland; Member of the
American Dermatological Association, and the
Dermatological Society of great Britain and Ire-
land-. Illustrated by 12 Colored Plates, 28 Half
tone Plates from life, and two Engravings, Phil-
adelphia. F. A. Davis Company, Publisher, 1901.

For the young practitioner of medicine and for
the older, whose experience has been interrupted
from constant clinical experience with the infec-
tious exanthemata, this book is especially needed.
At the outset there is a brief history of the orig-
inal source of these diseases, covering nearly 30
pages. It is a most interesting account, dating
from the earliest period in all nations of the
earth.

Definitions, Varieties, Symptomatology, Etiol-
ogy, Diagnosis. Prognosis and Treatment are
each subdivided into distinct head-lines giving a
variety of catch-attention that betrays an essential

feature, The subjects are illustrated with col-
ored and half tone plates in constant evidence
of description. The book is richly printed and
substantially bound, covering about 400 pages.
Infectious diseases are lessening in the civilized
races, and the type is somewhat modified, prob-
ably due to sanitation, disinfection and isolation,
making diagnosis the more difficult. The writer
only recently saw a case that had been diagnosed
smallpox, and was confirmed by two older prac-
titioners. The patient was quarantined and his
residence displayed a red flag. The patient de-
fied the authorities and his doctors and sought
additional advice. The case was a simple form
of impetigo. A perusal of this book would have
negatived variola at the beginning.

An International System of Electro-Therapeutics ,
by numerous associated authors. Edited by Ho-
ratio R. Bigelow, M. D. Second Edition edited
by G. Belton Massey, M. D., Ex- President and
Fellow of the American Electro-Therapeutic As-

The Kinraide High-Frequency Coil

The best
apparatus
for use
with the
direct or
alternating
current,

••••••••••••

SEND FOR

DESCRIPTIVE

CIRCULAR.

EX

Maker of Ophthalmological Apparatus, Complete Standard Electro-Therapeutic Equipments,

X-Ray Apparatus and High Grade Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Instruments.
104 East Twenty-third Street, ) 604 Nicollet Avenue, Minneapolis.

125 West Forty-second Street, -NEW YORK, 360 St. Peter Street, St. Paul.

650 Madison Avenue, ) 3 rue Scribe, Paris, France.

X-RAY TUBES.

Perfect Glass, Reinforced Seals. They Can Always be Repaired.

X-Ray Tubes re-exhausted and repaired. Also Atomizers, Nebulizers for heavy fluids, and Inhalers
Glass apparatus of all kinds. Correspondence Solicited.

STUNTZ & ARMSTRONG, - - Owensboro, Ky.

986

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

sociation; Member of the American Medical As-
sociation; Author of Conservative Gynecology
and Electro-Therapeutics, etc. Thoroughly illus-
trated. F. A. Davis Company, Publishers, Phil-
adelphia.

This book is somewhat voluminous, covering
about 1200 pages. It is full of good matter. Ver-
bosity has no place in the book. Every sentence
seems to have been framed to express a thought
pertaining to the direct purpose of the subject.
There are seven grand divisions, which includes
the entire matter, denominated sections. Each
of these sections are subdivided, and an author
chosen exclusively for that subject. The care-
fully prepared composition betrays direction of
thought, of experienced and capable teachers.
Section A, is the "Introductory," and it is a
beautifully written historic sketch of electricity.
Section B, Electro-Physics and Electro-Physiol-
ogy, is subdivided into nine parts, each of which
is written by different authors. This subject
covers 328 pages. Section C, Gynecology and
Obstetrics has ten subdivisions with a different
writer for each. Section D, Diseases of the
Nervous System. Section E, Disorders of the
Abdominal and Thoracic Viscera. Section F,
Diseases of Childhood. Section G, Electro-Sur-
gery. Those writing upon this subject are, Drs.
L. A. W. Alleman, Charles E. de M. Lajous,
I). D. Stewart, Robert Newman, J. Inglis Par-

sons, G. Belton Masey, John Byrne, Henrietta
P. Johnson, Plym. S. Hayes. The book is made
up by many of the best practitioners and writers
in America. The student and doctor will make
no mistake in using this book as his guide in
practice.

Flugel-Schmidt-Tanger. A Dictionary of the
English and German Language for Home and
School. In two parts. With Special Reference
to Dr. Felix Flugel Universal English-German
and German-English Dictionary Edited by Pro-
fessor Im Schmidt, Ph., D. and G. Tanger, Ph.
D. Fifth Edition. Lencke & Buechner, 812
Broadway, New York City. Price for two
Vol. $5.50.

These two fine, large volumes, containing more
than 1,000 pages, is probably the best English-
German and German-English lexicon now in
print. For the purpose for which this dictionary
is compiled it meets the ready wants of students
and scholars. The print is large, clear and new
and the definitions embrace besides their fullest
clearness, the synonymous words and terms. Each
of these books follow this style, making the vol-
umes compare favorably with our great Interna-
tional Dictionary of the English language. Eng-
lish scholars using German and Germans using
the English, especially all persons in the profes-
sions must use, if they would seek the purest lan-
guage-Flugel, Schmidt-Tanger Dictionary.

You Turn the Button and the Motor Does the Rest.

Explains the simplicity of our

Self- Exciting Holtz Static Machine.

It is the Only Self- Exciting Holtz Induction Machine made.

It is the only Holtz Machine which does not require an auxiliary charger

to excite it.

Self-Exciting, Simplicity, Durability,
Compactness and Beauty

ARE ALL QUALITIES OF

Detainer's Self-Exciting Holtz Static Machine,

Manufactured only by

Detwiller Manufacturing Co., #aJ£2£at Buffalo, N.Y.

PRICES ON APPLICATION.

THE AMERICAN

X-RAY JOURNAL.

Devoted to Practical X-Ray Work and Allied Arts and Sciences.

PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY THE AMERICAN X-RAY PUBLISHING COMPANY.

HEBER ROBARTS, M. D., M. E., Editor.

SUBSCRIPTION RATES— IN ADVANCE.
United States, Canada and Mexico ..$3.00 | Foreign Countries $4.00

Single Copies 25 | Single Copies 35

Editorial matter should be addressed to Dr. Heber Robarts, Editor, Suite 301 Chemical Bldg., St. Louis.

All business matter should be addressed to The American X-Ray Journal Publishing Co., same address.

All contributors of original articles and other matter relative to X-Radiance, of interest to the medical
profession, are solicited from all parts of the world. Contributors will be furnished a liberal number of
extra copies of the Journal containing their articles.

Translation of articles written in German, French and Spanish is made by Frank Ring, M. D., 611
Chemical Building, St. Louis.

Entered at the Postofflce at St. Louis, Mo., as Second-Class Matter.

VOL. 9. ST. LOUIS, NOVEMBER, 1901. NO. 5.

CONTENTS OF VOL. 9, NO. 4.

J. Rudis-Jicinsky, M. D., Retiring Sec-
retary Roentgen Society of America.
A Letter.

Recovered Case of Lupus.

Diagnosis of Renal Calculi.

Roentgen Rays in Military Surgery.

Becquerel Ray Burning.

Reasons Not Facts Altogether.

The Treatment of Cutaneous Cance

With the X-Rays.
The Treatment of Congenital Club

Foot.
Inconsistencies.
Book Reviews.

CONTENTS VOL. 9, NO. 5.

Visual Localization with Fluorometer.
Cancer.

Prospect of Cure in Cancer.
Diagnosis of Cancer of the Stomach.
Treatment of Inoperable Cancer.
Turck's Gyromele.
X-Ra}' Tubes.

Some Problems of Radiology.

THE AMERICAN

X-RAY JOURNAL.

Devoted to Practical X Ray Work and Allied Arts and Sciences.

VOL. 9. ST. LOUIS, NOVEMBER, 1901. NO. 5.

Cancer.

So much is being written of late upon
the care of cancer, that it is interesting
to note what Dr. N. Senn, of Chicago,
has recently said upon the origin and
source of this disease. It is of special
interest now because of the claims made
by x-ray operators that malignant dis-
eases are cured by the Roentgen ray,
provided the disease is an open one and
accessible.

Dr. Senn says — ( American Surgery
and Gynecology')'. "Carcinoma is due to a
typical proliferation of the epithelial
cells from the matrix of embryonic cells
of congenital or post-natal origin. The
law of legitimate succession of cells
holds true in the origin and growth of
tumors, both benign and malignant, as
well as in the production of normal and
inflammatory tissue. Being primarily
epithelial, carcinoma in the mesoblastic
tissue is impossible except by displaced
inclusions of epithelial tissue. The his-
tology and histogenesis of carcinoma
are against the parasitic origin of the
disorder. The stroma of carcinoma
consists of pre-existing connective tissue
fibers and their descendants. Carcino-
matous cells usually multiply by irregu-
lar atypical karyokinesis, and this path-
ologic segmentation is an important in-
dication of malignancy and of consider-
able diagnostic value. The progressive
extension of tumors to adjacent tissues
and organs, regardless of their structure,
is strong proof of carcinomatous charac-

ter. Regional metastasis takes place
exclusively through the lymphatic chan-
nels and the pre-existing lymphatic
structures take no active part in the ori-
gin and growth of secondary tumors.
The general dissemination of carcinoma
usually takes place by direct implication
of veins in the primary or secondary tu-
mors. The carcinomatous cells reach
the venous circulation through the for-
mation of an intra-venous tumor throm-
bosis or carcinomatous endophlebitis or
through perforation of the vein walls by
carcinomatous cells. Retrograde intra-
venous extension is due to the transpor-
tation of minute emboli of carcinoma
cells against the current surrounded by
a mantle of blood corpuscles which
move step by step on the intima. Re-
trograde extension through lymphatics
may take place in the same manner, but
is more frequently the result of carcino-
matous endolymphangitis. The in-
crease of carcinoma is more apparent
than real and heredity is a generally
recognized predisposing cause. As a
rule it occurs in elderly persons, but oc-
casionally is met with in individuals un-
der 25, and then is specially malignant.
It seldom follows a single injury, but
generally follows repeated or prolonged
irritation. Among the predisposing
causes must be numerated racial, climat-
ic, and topographical influences.
Chronic inflammatory products, cica-
trices, and benign epithelial tumors are
favorable local conditions. The positive
results of implantation and inoculation

988

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

experiments have thus far failed in es-
tablishing the parasitic theory and a
careful study of the experimental re-
searches and the bacteriologic and histo-
logic investigations do not warrant us

Cancer of the Breast, after Primary Operation.
Case of Dr. I. N. Scott, Kansas City, Mo.

at present in claiming a parasitic origin
for carcinoma. The experience of cen-
turies with medication has demonstrated
that thus far carcinoma is not materially
bettered in this way. Direct medica-
tion of carcinomatous tissue by paren-
chymatous injections has no influence,
while the injection of sclerogenic sub-
stances into the surrounding connective
tissue appears to restrain the local ex-
tension by impairing the blood supply.
Local applications of any kind for ulcer-
ative carcinoma can be only palliative
at best. The actual cautery and chem-
ical caustics have only a limited field of
usefulness in open inoperable carcinoma
and should never be used in treatment
of closed carcinoma in place of the
knife. The serum treatment has yielded
only negative results. The early and
radical operative treatment offers the
only prospect for permanently eliminat-
ing the disease, which can be deter-
mined only after a lapse of 10 years or
more after operation. Radical opera-
tion should never be attempted unless
local conditions and the general health
are such as to warrant it. Admitting
carcinoma to be the product of erratic,

planless cell growth, not governed, by
the influence of the regular normal tis-
sue change, it appears logical to make
experiments and observations to find the
remedy which will destroy the tumor by
causing early and steady degeneration
of its parenchyma, or which possesses
the property of converting embryonic
into mature epithelial cells, thus con-
verting a carcinoma into a benign epithe-
lioma. "

Dr. G. 'Wiley Broome, in the St,
Louis Medical Review, holds to the view
that carcinoma- is a parasitic disease.
He, however, acknowledges that labora-
tory researches are not yet conclusive.
He says: "The distinctive character of
malignant tumors in the rapidity of their
development, the extension of metas-
tasis, which so strongly resemble those
of diseases known to be due to bacteria,
the cachexia out of proportion to the
extent of the local disease, and suggest-
ing the formation of a toxic substance,
the fact that a spontaneous cure never
takes place, the disease moving onward
relentlessly to the fatal issue, and final-

Cured by X-Rays after 100 Treatments.
Case of Dr. I. N. Scott, Kansas City, Mo.

ly the liability of recurrence even after
operation, are so many clinical evidences
pointing to a parasitic origin. La-
boratory researches are not yet conclu-

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

989

sive, but point to this origin. Plimmer
examined microscopically 1,298 cases of
carcinoma, in 1,130 of which he found
parasitic organisms, while ninety of the
entire number were unfit for examina-
tion. He states positively that those
bodies are constantly present in cancer
and constantly absent in other diseases
or degenerative conditions. The au-
thor believes the outlook to be very
hopeful as regards the discovery of the
cause and the cure of cancer."

In a paper read before the American
Dermatological Association, May, 1901,
Dr. William Allen Pussey, of Chicago,
says: "As Oudin, Berthelemy and Da-
rier have shown, the effect of the
x-rays upon the epithelial structures of
the skin is to increase the vitality
of the least differentiated skin elements,
while the differentiated elements — hair,
nails and glands — undergo retrogressive
changes and atrophy."

Dr. Senn holds that carcinoma is due
to atypical proliferation of the epithelial
cells, from the matrix of embryonic
cells of congenital or post-natal origin.
Now, if it is true, as Dr. Pussey says,
that the effect of the x-rays upon the
epithelial structures of the skin is to in-
crease the vitality of the least differen-
tiated skin elements, is not this a safe
explanation for the curative effect of
the x-rays in cancer? It is certain that
the rays have but little bactericidal effect
in the rays themselves, but it is equally
certain that they have a peculiar stimu-
lating effect, favorable to healthy resto-
ration.

Prospect of Cure in Cancer.

Horace Manders thinks that the great
point in the treatment of cancer is to fix
one's attention on the natural forces in-
herent within the body. We have in
electricity, for instance, an agent capa-
ble of directly and profoundly affecting
the molecular changes that go on with-
in cells, increasing metabolism and re-

sistance to adverse influences. In can-
cer we may not have to deal with an in-
vading microbe, yet it is evident that
some malign source is at work, whose
influence the natural defensive powers
of the body have become unable to re-
sist, and it is only reasonable to infer
from analogy that if these inherent pow-
ers could be revitalized to the extent
that generally obtains in the equilibrium
of health, as has been done in tuberculo-
sis, then there is a definite prospect of a
cure for that even more intractable dis-
ease— cancer. If these inherent powers
did not exist, we should all fall victims,
as it is unreasonable to suppose that we
are not constantly exposed to the source
of cancer, just as we are to that of tu-
berculosis, of which we are now well
aware. It is quite possible that the ul-
tra-violet rays of the spectrum have a
distinct value in this condition. Yeast
treatment is unreliable. The author
closes with the statement that in cur-
rents of high potential and exceeding
frequency we have a means, hitherto un-
known, of stimulating the vital energy
of cells and of enabling them to utilize,
by taking into their protoplasm auxilia-
ry remedies; and that sometimes one
and sometimes another, when used in
conjunction with these currents, will be
found to be the particular one needed.

Diagnosis of Cancer of the
Stomach.

J. C. Hemmeter says that the nature
and concept of an early diagnosis of can-
cer of the stomach are intimately asso-
ciated with a knowledge of the duration
of the disease, which can be approxi-
mately ascertained by three methods:
(1) By observing the rate of growth in
cancers that are open to direct inspec-
tion, e. g. those of the uterus, mammae,
rectum, etc; ; (2) by noting the size and
rate of growth after the first beginning
of subjective and objective complaints

99o

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

in tumors capable of palpation; and (3)
by noting the rate of growth in visible
or palpable metastasis. Cancer of the
stomach often occurs in relatively young
patients. There is nothing characteris-
tic in the early dyspeptic symptoms,
i I a matemesis occurs in 50 per cent of
cases, and constipation in 75 per cent.
Hydrochloric acid disappears from the
gastric juice, absorption is lessened,
lactic acid is generally absent (but this
is a later symptom ), the peptic and ren-
net ferments are decreased pari passu
with the HC1. In the examination of
the stomach contents only two structur-
al elements have a possible diagnostic
value, viz., fragments of the neoplasm
and the Oppler-Boas bacilli. The urine
contains albumin in about 40 per cent
of cases, while indican occurs in excess
in about 90 per cent. Demonstration
of a tumor is the infallible sign, but it
often comes very late in the course of
the disease. The author would recom-
mend exploratory laparotomy in all cases
of gastric disease associated with rap-
id emaciation, absence of HC1, reduc-
tion of proteid digestion under 30 per
cent, and the presence of lactic acid,
shown by Uffelman's test, or of numer-
ous long base ball-bat shaped Oppler-
Boas bacilli. He thinks little can be
hoped for from operation in the case of
cancer of the stomach, and looks for-
ward to the possible discovery of a cure
through the methods of research now
being pursued.

Treatment of Inoperable
Cancer.

The conclusions arrived at by Alfred
Cooper, F. K. C. S., and expressed in
The Lancet^ October 12, with regard to
the remedies recommended in the treat-
ment of inoperable cancer are as follows:
I 1 1 That in cases of inoperable sarcoma,
more especially the spindle-cell variety,
the patient should have the option of
Coley's fluid given to him, since a cer-

tain number of cases have been cured;
(2) That in cases of inoperable cancer
of the breast, in women of about forty
years of age, in whom the menopause
has not occurred, the operation of
oophorectomy should be proposed, and
this treatment may be combined with
thyroid feeding; (3) That in cases of in-
operable rodent ulcer, and the superfi-
cial malignant ulceration in other parts,
the Roetgen rays give a good hope of
improvement; (4) That in cases where
these other methods are declined, or
are inapplicable, the internal adminis-
tration of celandine is worthy of trial,
and when the case appears quite hope-
less, morphine should be pushed with-
out hesitation; (5) Finally, Mr. Cooper
would suggest that, before trying any of
these remedies, the risk should be fully
pointed out to the patient that the faint
hope, that most of them afford, should
not be magnified, and that the discom-
fort of treatment should be fully dis-
cussed; in fact, the surgeon should not
do more than offer the treatment, and
leave the patient to accept or refuse it.

Buffalo, N. Y., Oct. 29, 1901.
Heber Robarts, M. D.

Dear Doctor: — The Pan-American
Exposition now about to close, although
in many ways replete in electrical mani-
festations was nevertheless woefully
short on x-ray apparatus and radio-
graphy.

Inasmuch as St. Louis is the home of
our X-Ray Journal and its enthusiastic
promoter, I most respectfully suggest
that in your World's Exposition, a suit-
able building be set apart under your
management for the proper display of
the wonderful achievements in this most
progressive and humanitarian of modern
sciences. Yours most sincerely,

John T. Pitkin.

True to the newspaper announce-
ment, Dr. Wriggle has an x-ray society.
The doctor is elected president.

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

99i

Turck's Gyromele,

And the X-Rays in the Diagnosis of Dis-
eases of the Stomach.

BY J. RUDIS-JICINSKY, A. M.,M. D., M. E.,
Read by title before the Roentgen Society of Ameri-
ca, University Building, Buffalo, N. Y.,
Sept. 10, 1901.

The frequent opportunities I have had
since the valuable discovery of the x-
ray in correct and absolutely reliable
diagnosis seemed to impress me, as well
as others, of the practicability and use-
fulness of these mysterious rays, rather
than the records of a lot of theoretical
uncertainties. We may now reproduce
renal, biliary, vesical and other calculi
on the photographic plate, diagnose posi-
tively the beginning of tuberculosis pul-
monalis, other diseases of the lungs,
aneurisms, arterio sclerosis, intestinal
obstructions, diseases of the bones,
make out the tumors in the brain, diag-
nose and see the adjustment of the frag-
ments in fractures, reduce disloca-
tions properly, observe the growth of the
bones, movementsof the joints in normal
state or altered by trauma, find foreign
bodies without the dreadful probe and
do such and other delicate work in ra-
diology that seems to give a wonderful
range of usefulness to the x-rays not
only in surgery, but medicine also.

I do not say that the x-rays are the
only means of diagnosis, I do not state
and would not like to state that they are
the only reliable way to make a diagno-
sis, but I would positively and most em-
phatically pronounce the application of
the x-rays in popular hands or suffi-
ciently skilled and experienced surgeons
and x-ray workers, as the best, rapid
and practical method by means of which
in combination with all other methods a
correct diagnosis, based on the history
of certain cases, their symptoms as ob-
served and exact clinical behavior may
be made, when all other methods alone
have failed. And that means very much.

Just to show how much it means, for

instance, in the diagnosis of certain con-
ditions of the stomach, allow me to de-
monstrate to you Turck's gyromele
which in combination with fluoroscopic
examination or a proper skiagraph, may
reveal to us the real condition of the
diseased stomach.*

It is not necessary to fill up the stom-
ach with albumen or subnitrate of bis-
muth to make out the exact outline of the
stomach, to see the greater curvature
or observe the lesser curvature, the fun-
dus, and the pylorus with the help of
our x-ray, and we need no more to do
the same in trying to diagnose a dilata-
tion of the stomach or any obstruction
existing at the pylorus. If we introduce
Turck's gyromele or the revolving
sound — a flexible wire cable — with a
sponge attached to the cable and ob-
serve the same with the fluoroscope un-
der the x-ray, we can easily follow the
cable along the oesophagus, examine its
condition and go down to the stomach
and along the walls of the same. The
gyromele will give us the character of
the stomach walls, show any thickening,
the distensibility of the stomach, the
flexibility of the same and beside this,
proofs of the physical condition will
help us to diagnose atrophy better than
any test meal can, with the help of the
sponge on the end of the cable. To
make out any obstruction or the extent
of a tumor or carcinoma we need only
to introduce the gyromele and see with
the fluoroscope how far the cable goes,
where about it struck and may some-
times get some blood stains on the end
of the cable or plenty of the stomach
contents, which easily can be examined
HCL The main part that the whole
procedure of this new method of com-
bined diagnosis does not take more than
fifteen minutes, counting the introduc-

*The use of the x-rays for translumination of the
body with gyromele in site was demonstrated by
Fentor B. Turck, M. D., in the spring of 1896, and
diagnosis made. See the skiagraph, journal A. M.
A., May 4, 1901.

99 2

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

tion of the gyromele, fluoroscopic ex- oesophagal tube and then refilling the
amination and making a skiagraph, if stomach with fluid. By noting the low-
necessary. It is a rapid work, positive er limit of percussion dullness then pro-

and correct.

duced, the lower border of the stomach

a

Penzoldt's modification of Piorr'a was determined. This diagnosis might

method of determining gastric dilatation be accurate in some cases, but not a

was, for instance, to withdraw the con- positive one in every case. In dilatation

tents of the stomach by means of the with obstruction this method could not

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL. 993

be used as readily but the gyromele with tient, no danger of displacement, any

a smaller cable may diagnose the ob- marked feeling of distress and the whole

struction first and be pushed slowly opportunity of positive diagnosis, when

along the walls of the dilated stomach, all other methods failed. In making the

by the assistant, and we may follow the skiagraph of the stomach containing the

cable from outside through the abdomi- gyromele cable it is always well to have

nal walls, see how it goes and where. not only all the methods of diagnosis in

There is absolutely no danger to the pa- mind, but the picture to be made must

994

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

have some stamp of truth on its surface.
For this reason I always cover the umbil-
icus with some metallic button which will
appear on the photo to give us a guide
for measurements and proper estimation
of the dilatation, etc.

A. M. The patient, a laboring man,
aged 45 years. More or less promi-
nent symptoms of indigestion about a

pected and there is no obstruction at the
pyloric end of the stomach. The ease
with which the whole viscus can be
pushed by the use of different cables of
different flexibility, indicates the pres-
ence of gastroptosis and the thick walls
at some places giving slight shadow
show hypertrophy. As you see the di-
agnosis by means of the gyromele cable

year ago. Pain constant at the "pit of
the stomach," increased by taking food,
especially of an irritating character.
Tenderness at one or more points, ex-
tending from the front to the back.
Vomiting is almost constant as pain,
coming on soon after eating, but some-
times an hour or more later. Rejected
matter undigested or partly digested
food or acrid mucus, no blood. Gas-
tralgia frequent. The general condition
of the patient not significant, the nutri-
tion is but little deranged. The bowels
are constipated, the stools hard and dry.
Offensive regurgitation. The patient
being excessive beer drinker, drank
twenty or more glasses of beer habitual-
ly, every day. On inspection no tumor
in the pyloric region, on percussion
tympanic note extending below the um-
bilicus, but how far, it could not be
made out positively. On ascultation a
rumbling sound, but not always and not
distinct when the body was shaken.
Diagnosis: Gastric dilatation. If from
the result of pyloric stenosis could not
be made out. Turck's gyromele ap-
plied and skiagraph made. The gyro-
mele shows plainly under the X-Kay
that the dilitation is greater than ex-

combined with palpitation and the appli-
cation of the x-ray in this case was
made certain and easy. "'The treatment
itself was ordered accordingly.

Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

The genial and able editor the Ameri-
can Electro- Therapeutic and X Ray Era,
checks the claim of The American X-Ray
Journal as the only x-ray journal in
this country. Editorially we have al-
ways refrained from self praise or boast-
ing and have even left out this same
character of matter written by others un-
less there was associated with it an edu-
cational point. But to the present date
this is the only publication exclusively
devoted to x-ray work. The American
Electro-Therapeutic and X-Ray Era just-
ly combines electro-therapeutics with
x-ray matter and one or two other pub-
lications in the East have added x-rays.
Of the personality of the others we know
not, but our personal knowledge of Mr.
R. Friedlander is most favorable. He
is not alone a genial and courteous gen-
tleman but a good writer and earnestly
engaged in x-ray work. He will succeed
with his journal because integrity and
worth will win.

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

995

X-Ray Tubes. .

BY EMIL H. GRUBBE, B. S., M. D.,
Professor oi Electro-Physics, Radiography and X-
ray Diagnosis, Illinois School oi Electro-The-
rapeutics. Lecturer on Electro-Therapeu-
tics Hah. Medical College and Hospital.
Chief Radiographer Illinois X-Ray
and Electro-Therapeutic Labora-
tory. Member oi Roentgen So-
ciety of United States, also
Electro-Medical Society
oi Chicago, etc.

Read before the Roentgen Society of America, Uni-
versity Building, Buffalo, X. Y., Sept. 10, 15*01.

The constant investigations of the
past year with the Roentgen phenome-
na have developed immense improve-
ments in x-ray apparatus. But great
as has been our progress as regards ap-
paratus and methods, comparatively
slow progress seems to have been made
in developing that most important part
of an x-ray outfit, the Crooke's vacu-
um tube.

I wish, in this paper, to give a short
review of the principles applied in the
construction of tubes and incidently to
throw out a few ideas as pertains the
methods involved and the kind of tube
necessary in order that we may get
good, powerful x-rays. This standard,
I believe, as far as we now know, is the
only one which gives us any conception
of the variability of x-rays.

From the great variety of tubes now
upon the market we must consider that
many attempts have been made to im-
prove the Crooke's tube. At present
the so-called standard tubes are made
upon a general plan which consists of a
vacuum bulb of thin glass, having two
tapering ends, from one of which enters
a highly polished concave aluminum
disk, called the cathode, and from the
other projects, almost to the centre of
the tube, and usually from three to four
inches from the aluminum disk, a thin
sheet of platinum x-rays are sent out
of the tube.

In order that I may not be misunder-
stood later on, I wish now to make a

general statement including my opinion
of x-ray excitation and partially its ori-
gin.

The x-ray is the result, primarily,
of electrified particles of gaseous matter
propelled or pushed by high voltage
from the cathode disk of a vacuum tube,
directly opposite this manifestation
has been called the cathode ray.
When cathode rays are stopped in their
terrific speed through the bulb of a tube,
by the interposition of a very dense
body, as for instance platinum, a trans-
formation' occurs, resulting in a peculiar
manifestation which we recognize as
x-rays. The x-rays then are the re-
sult of the reflection or convergence of
electrified discharges from the concave
aluminum disk to the platinum sheet
which is placed in a direct path.
Now, when the currents discharged into
a vacuum tube are heavy or long con-
tinued the platinum sheet becomes red
or even white hot, indicating the trans-
formation of tnese cathodic electric
waves into heat waves. We know that
in the ordinary x-ray tube the vacuum
is never a constant, but always varies
and that this variability increases as we
use the tube. The cathode rays de-
pend for their generation upon a certain
degree of vacuum, and if this vacuum is
constantly varying, of course the cath-
ode rays vary in quantity and quality
and consequently the resulting x-rays
vary accordingly.

It behooves us then in order that we
may have a constant x-ray value, to
provide tubes which will keep, as near
as possible, a stationary vacuum and in
addition will at all times be under per-
fect control of the operator. The all
desirable qualities which a tube should
have, depend largely upon the purpose
or use to which we expect to make the
tube. I believe it is impossible to con-
struct a tube which will be ideal for all
varieties of exciters and also for all va-
rieties of uses, viz.: Radiographic,

g96 THE AMERICAN

Fluoroscopic and Radio-Therapeutic.

Today the best type of tube for ra-
diographic work is, no doubt, the so
called "focus tube." A focus tube has
its internal electrodes so shaped and
placed that the cathode rays emanating
from the negative concave disk will be
collected and concentrated upon the
positive platinum sheet at a very small
area or spot.

When a tube is of such vacuum that
it just begins to permit the production
of x-rays we say we have a low vacu-
um or a soft tube. By -the aid of a fluo-
roscope we can always determine rela-
tively the vacuum of a tube. In gener-
al, we may say, that if the hand is
placed before the fluoroscope five inches
from the tube and the bone outlines are
not clearly distinguishable we have a
low vacuum tube. If now the vacuum
is raised we shall have more and clearer
bone outlines and finally in using a high
vacuum tube the x-rays pass through
the bones so that they appear only faint
in outline.

Under ordinary conditions of low or
medium vacuum we can usually make
out two separate and distinct hemis-
pheres in the tube bulb, one dark, emit-
ting no fluorescent light and one lumi-
nous, emitting a greenish light, but
when we excite a very high vacuum tube
using a very high voltage current not
only does the platinum disk and the
luminous hemisphere give off x-rays
but, in fact, the whole tube gives off
appreciable rays.

Before making a radiograph a fluo-
roscopic view should always be made to
determine the vacuum of the tube. I
believe at present we know of no other
method which may be used as a stand-
ard. Of course, even as simple as it
may seem, it nevertheless is an exceed-
ingly variable standard and therefore a
great amount of experience is necessary
to apply it. The method is this: We
must bring our vacuum to such a de-

X-RAY JOURNAL.

gree that we can generate x-rays pow-
erful enough to penetrate the tissue
which we wish to radiograph. If we
do not penetrate the tissue we certainly
can not determine its internal make-up.
It is impossible to show the structure of
a bone unless you can apply rays pow-
erful enough to penetrate the bone. In
this connection I might say that if this
method is applied before the plate is ex-
posed it will be found to materially
shorten the time of exposure and above
all, the proportion of undqr-exposed and
under-developed negatives; in short,
useless plates, will decrease as we be-
come more and more familiar and adept
in the use of the fluoroscopic method.
I may also add that the tube must not
be too high, as then we lose all detail
of structure. The nearer a body is
brought to a screen, and the farther
away from the tube, the more normal the
fluoroscopic outline. For instance, to
get sharp bone outlines of the chest in
fluoroscopic work the vacuum must not
be too high and the fluoroscope must be
in direct contact with the body, chest or
back.

In order to get a normal shadow of
the heart it is necessary to place the
body a short distance away from the
tube (ten to fifteen inches) as otherwise
the shadow may be magnified and at
the same time will not show clear in out-
line. Here the tube vacuum should be
just high enough to give a black outline
to the heart, anything higher will
blur the shadow and make it irregu-
lar.

It is a well known fact that a tube
which may atone time be considered of
low or medium vacuum will gradually
become raised to a higher and higher
vacuum. As it is ordinarily used, this is
sometimes detrimental. It is also a well
known fact that as the vacuum constant-
ly becomes higher the voltage necessary
to push the current through at first, be-
comes ultimately inadequate because of

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

997

the inability of the apparatus to furnish
same.

The first drawback is overcome, if
deemed necessary, as for instance, in
radio-therapeutic work, by the use of
a tube which has a valuable vacuum at-
tachment. The second drawback, that
of low voltage current, is overcome by
the use of more powerful apparatus,
which develops enormous voltage and
is therefore able to overcome the high
resistance of the tube due to its high
vacuum. In this connection it maybe
mentioned that it seems out of order to
label a tube for a certain voltage, as for
instance-40 cm. to 50 cm. spark length,
when the vacuum, which determines the
ability of the tube to stand certain vol-
tage goes up and down. In other words,
varies constantly as the tube is used.

Scientific research of any kind can be
of really little importance if it does not
lead to practical results. The endeavor
to improve the x-ray tube has been
general, but I believe some very impor-
tant mechanical and electrical facts
have been omitted in the construction
of this instrument. First, I find the
greatest difficulty of getting a tube
which has its external electrodes far
enough apart to prevent sparking or
short circuiting on the outside.

We know the greatest estimation in
x-ray work is maximum radiance. Up
to the present time we have not been
able to secure radiance approaching the
maximum, because of the inefficiency of
the Crooke's tubes. Personally. I find,
in order that we may use high voltage
currents (an absolute necessity to the
derivation of maximum or penetrating
radiance), that the internal parts of the
tube including the vacuum are not so
much at fault as the external parts. We
must separate the external electrodes
much farther than we have been doing.

The more we study the x-ray the
more we find it necessary to have spe-
cial apparatus to meet certain condi-

tions. For instance, it has been found
desirable for radio-therapeutic work to
operate a coil, which, by the use of
from 3 to 5 amperes of current in the pri-
mary, generates a low voltage and high
amperage current from the secondary — a
short but thick spark. On the other
hand, to make radiographs we need a
current of high voltage as well as high
amperage. In making this statement I
am aware that I am discussing only one-
half of the question, as the tube vacuum
at which it is worked is, of course, a very
important consideration also.

Greatest difficulty is experienced in
getting tubes which can dissipate more
than a certain limited amount of energy
in a certain period of time without dan-
ger of breaking or burning out. First,
then, in order to get a tube high in
vacuum, it is necessary to place the ex-
ternal electrodes far enough apart so
that high voltage currents can be util-
ized without danger of breaking the tube
or of the spark passing or jumping
around the outside of the bulb. Next,
we need tubes so constructed that the
anode will readily radiate the heat
which is developed whenever large vol-
ume currents are used. Since the ideal
has not yet been reached as regards the
above two factors, I believe it is in or-
der to mention a few ideas and give a
few designs on this subject. In the fol-
lowing considerations I need not men-
tion specifically the kind of exciting ap-
paratus to which these tubes are espe-
cially suited, suffice it to say that the
tubes for use on the static machine need
not be made with as much metal or heat
absorbing materials as is necessary
when a coil is the exciting agent.

We will now consider tubes from the
fluoroscopic standpoint, ignoring as far
as possible, the use of the tube from the
radiographic or radio-therapeutic
standpoint. Good fluoroscopic views
are only obtainable from the very high-
est vacuum tubes, and indeed in general

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

it may be said, that for fluoroscopic
work a much higher vacuum, relatively
is needed than for radiography.
Steadiness of the illumination or fluo-
rescence is a most desirable function in
connection with penetration. The for-
mer is brought about by using rapid in-
terruptions, if an induction coil is used
(1600 to 2500 per minute), the latter is
developed by the use of a high vacuum
and also very high voltage and is inde-
pendent of the quantity of current. Be-
cause of these conditions we are able to
get better fluoroscopic views from a
large rapidly speeding static machine
that we can possibly obtain from a coil.
Fluorescence is steady and voltage is
very high.

Since glass is an obstructor to x-rays
it is necessary that the bulb through
which the rays pass be exceedingly thin
and not only thin, but uniformly thin.
In the average tube sold today the
bulb part of the tube is so thick that I
doubt if we get more than 50 per cent
of the actual x-ray value for use on the
outside. Another valuable factor to be
observed in choosing a good tube for
fluoroscopic work is that of a large-sized
tube. A large tube will stand both
higher voltage and amperage for a giv-
en vacuum. Also the larger volume of
gaseous space tends to keep such a tube
more stable as regards its vacuum and
therefore it may be used for a much
longer period of time (time being some-
times a very necessary consideration in
matters pertaining to diagnosis), without
any appreciable change in the vacuum.
Finally we can say that the larger the
bulb the longer the life of the tube.

From our study of the cathode rays in
their relation to x-rays we must come
to the conclusion that, generally speak-
ing, the more cathode rays we have in a
tube, the more x-rays are generated.

I wish to refer to diagram No. 1
which illustrates a special tube which I
shall call the "Fluoroscopic tube," be-

cause it is designed specially to show to
the best advantage all the factors promi-
nent in an ideal fluoroscopic tube, as far
as I am able to judge. I recommend a
very large bulb, 10 to 14 inches in di-
ameter ( if it is possible for high vacu-
um bulbs of that size composed of glass

inch in thickness to stand up against
atmospheric pressure ), because of rea-
sons previously mentioned. The large
size of the bulb allows of placing larger
electrodes in the tube and therefore we
naturally get more x-rays than is pos-
sible from a smaller tube having small
electrodes.

In an excited Crooke's tube the whole
luminous hemisphere gives off x-rays.
For fluoroscopic use a tube should not
focus the cathode rays at a point upon
the platinum sheet and the anode is best
placed so that it strikes the cathode rays
before they come to a focus. In this
manner the anode becomes uniformly
red hot and we get a large quantity of
illumination upon the screen, i. e., x-
rays spread over a large area. This is
especially appreciated when we wish to
use a large screen in examining the
chest or abdominal cavities. This
spreading of the cathode stream may be
brought about by placing the anode at
the angle of 45 degrees to the path of
the cathode rays and within the focal
point of these rays. Now, by moving
the cathode end of the tube away from
the active hemisphere, and placing the
aluminum disk within the bulb, we pre-
sent a glass surface of even thickness
and since the aluminum disk is insig-
nificant as an absorber of x-rays it, of
course, need hardly be considered from
the standpoint of resistance. In the
usual tube the cathode disk is placed so
near the glass that in conjunction with
the great heat generated upon its sur-
face a deposit of metalic aluminum
soon occurs upon the glass surface in
the neighborhood of the cathode disk.
Placing the cathode disk within the bulb

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

999

also does away with the stray x-rays
resulting when the cathode stream
strikes the sides of the tube immediate-
ly surrounding the disk, usually recog-
nized by the formation of a light green
ring on the glass surface just above the
aluminum disk.

The presence of the metallic ball, pre-
ferably made of aluminum, at the cath-
ode electrode on the outside of the
tube is for the purpose of farther intensi-
fying the volume of current. In this
position its action is that of a condenser.
The value of this attachment becomes
obvious, because in using very high
vacuum tubes we have learned that
heaping up current at the cathode gives
us more efficient x-rays ( internal re-
sisance being thereby lessened); ulti-
mately this is also a means to steady the
fluorescence. This condenser is made
globular and is to be kept highly polish-
ed, in order that the current radiation
may be insignificant. Condensers of
other shape have been found to be im-
practical because of the extensive radia-
tion usually present during high resist-
ance.

Further consideration of this tube
must be left to an examination of the
diagram which, I believe, is self-explan-
atory.

Next let us consider a tube especially
designed for radiographic work. I re-
fer you to diagram No. 2.

This tube, as is indicated, is especial-
ly constructed for radiographic work;
that is, it is able to stand up against
both high voltage and high amperage
currents.

To be able to use currents of large
volume as derived when the various
types of electrolytic or mercury inter-
rupters are in circuit, is has been found
best to cool the heated platinum disk by
having a continuous flow of water near
the anode to absorb the heat generated.
By this method we may pass powerful
currents through the tube for a few min-

utes without noticing any material de-
terioration of the vacuum. According
to the diagram we do away with the con-
tinuous water stream, and substitute a
very large steel jacket extending almost
the full length of the anodal electrode
in the bulb of the tube, and in addition
to this we fill this metal jacket with a
large quantity of heat absorbing oil,
( even water may be used ). This does
away with water bags or bottles and
rubber tubing for conveying the water
to the tube, a very inconvenient arrange-
ment.

Since it is a well known fact that if
we wish to attain the best definition on
a plate exposed to the x-rays we must
bring the cathode stream to a very fine
focus at the anode and the smaller the
focal area the better the definition. The
platinum anode in this tube has a small
but very heavy projection upon which
the cathode rays are brought to a focus.
This tends to confine the heating to a
small area and also sends away x-rays
sooner than an}- other part of the disk.
In order to still farther favor the focus-
ing of the cathode rays the anode should
be placed at angle of from 60 - 65 de-
grees to the cathode stream. This ar-
rangement gives sharp or clean and con-
trast)* picture and the exposure can be
made very short. We get not only a
shadow picture of the gross outlines of
parts exposed, especially bones, but also
an idea of the inner structure. This we
call definition and it depends primarily
upon our ability to place the cathode
rays at a small area upon the platinum
disk.

The bulb of a radiographic tube need
not be as large as for a tube used if fluo-
roscopic work. Indeed, in order to pre-
vent blurring of the picture we wish to
avoid all radiation except that originat-
ing at the focal point upon the anode.
A small tube gives off few stray rays,
there is very little spreading, and conse-
quently such a tube is desirable for pro-

IOCO

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

ducing pelvic and chest pictures. It is
well established that the more we in-
crease the amperage of the current ap-
plied to a Crooke's tube, provided the
voltage is high enough to overcome the
resistance, the more x-rays we get. No
doubt the degree of fluorescence deter-
mines largely the photographic power of
the tube, but if it is possible to measure,
the quantity of current passing through
the tube at any period of time we are al-
ways in position to know accurately the
radiographic effect of a tube. It may
be stated that the higher our amperage
for a given vacuum the more rapid our
ability to make radiographs. It is the
large quantity current which causes
chemical changes upon the photograph-
ic plate.

A properly constructed x-ray tube to
give clear definition and prevent diffu-
sion to any great extent, must have its
cathode disk so placed and shaped (very
concave) that cathode rays coming from
this disk do not strike anything before
reaching the anode. This cathode disk,
in order that it may stand the large
quantity of heat developed upon its sur-
face, should also be large in area, as
shown in the diagram, so that heat radia-
tion may be good. Finally, in order that
we may use high voltage currents and
thereby get penetrating x-rays, all the
electrode containing parts of the tube are
placed far apart; about twice the distance
which is observed in the common tube.

In conclusion let me say that no apolo-
gies are offered for anything presented in
this paper, because I believe it is only
through digestion of speculative ideas
that we can hope to proceed in our in-
vestigations of so powerful a force as the
way has proven itself to be. '
US rhamplain Bid* Chicago, 111.

XWhen this paragraph is marked
with a re>l a/d blue cross it shows
our friends thatNfheir time has expired,
and we shall be/n\appy to receive a re-
newal of their /subscription soon.

Some Problems of Radiology.

BY VIRGILIO MACHADO.

The Rhumkorf coils have lately been
subject to numerous improvements such

as:

a — To divide the secondary circuit in-
to segments or partial coils, being cap-
able of spreading singly or in twos,
threes, etc.

b — The use of a thick wire in the sec-
ondary circuit to diminish its resistance,
while thus augmenting the amperage
of the current circulating therein.

c — The use of an adjustable condenser
so as to be able to regulate the capacity,
in relation to the intensity of the prima-
ry current.

d — The use of interrupters which give
the maximum length to the time the cir-
cuit is closed, in relation to the time it
is open.

c — The use of a special inductor, with-
out a condenser when employing the
Wehnelt interrupter.

/ — The method of fabrication that
guarantees to keep the coils in a good
state of preservation, without becoming
treated while operating, etc.

In spite of all these improvements,
the coils perhaps may be able to pro-
duce even greater results.

Before giving any problems on this
subject, I take the liberty to propose
the following considerations: At pres-
ent it is generally admitted that the in-
tensity of the x-rays, estimated by the
intensity of the fluroscopic light, or by
the effect produced upon the photo-
graphic plate, depends chiefly upon the
volume of the originating discharge.

This volume is roughly estimated by
the depth of the spark. If two dis-
charges, a and b are compared whose
sparks are of the same length, but of
different depth, it will be found that the
deeper spark, a will produce the more
intense x-rays.

The potential of the discharge judged

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

IOOI

by the length of the spark, seems prin-
cipally to influence the penetrating force
of the x-rays.

If two electric discharges a and b are
compared, whose sparks are of equal
depth, but of different length, then the
longer one a will give the more penetrat-
ing x-rays.

It is very probable that the potential
of the electric discharge does not ex-
clusively influence the penetration of
the x-rays, but also exerts its power,
though in a minor degree, upon the in-
tensity of these rays.

It is also likely that the volume of the
discharge does not exclusively influence
the intensity of the x-rays, but also
slightly the penetration of the same
rays.

To establish a basis for the construc-
tion of coils, complying with all the re-
quirements of the radiologists, would
demand deep study. Among others,
the following problems suggest them-
selves, which have already undergone

partial investigation at the hands of
some illustrious radiologists.

ist. To determine the mechanic value
m which corresponds to the discharge of
the secondary current according to the
dimensions (length and depth) of the
spark, created by the said discharge.

2d. To calculate the relation between
this mechanic value m and the penetra-
tion of the x-rays produced by the dis-
charge to which this value corresponds.

3d. And further to find the analogy
between the mechanic value m and the
intensity of the x-rays obtained by this
value.

4th. In a given coil to determine what
relation there exists between the volume
of the discharge from the opening in
the secondary, and the intensity of the
primary current.

5. To determine the relation between
the volume of the discharge and the vol-
tage of the current, which flows in the
primary circuit.

6. To determine the relation between

The Kinraide High-Frequency Coil.

The best
apparatus
for use
with the
direct or
alternating
current.

SEND FOR

DESCRIPTIVE

CIRCULAR.

EX B. Meyrowitz,

Maker of Ophthalmological Apparatus. Complete Standard Electro-Therapeutic Equipments.

X-Ray Apparatus and High Grade Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Instruments.
104 East Twenty-third Street, ) 604 Nicollet Avenue, Minneapolis.

125 West Forty-second Street. -NEW YORK, 360 St. Peter Street, St. Paul.

650 Madison Avenue, J > 3 rue Scribe, Paris, France.

1002

THE AMERICAiV X-RAY JOURNAL.

the same volume and the electric ca-
pacity of the primary, including the con-
denser.

7, 8 and 9. To solve questions similar
to those marked 4, 5 and 6, except that
instead of relating to the volume of the
electric discharges, refer to their poten-
tial, estimated by the length of the spark.

10. To vertify the influence of the
length of time, the current circulates in
the primary upon each of the various
elements of the phenomena, that this
current produces at the time of opening.

To facilitate the solving of the above
mentioned problem, it would be well to
study the following works:

Ueber die vorgange im Inductionsap-
parat. B. Walter in Annalen der Physik
und Chemie, Neue Folge Bd. 62-1897,
und Bd. 66-1898.

R. Colley-Wiedemann Annalen, 44,

1891.

Seiter-Tbid, 61, 1897.
Warburg-Tbid, 59, 1896
F. Braun-Tbid, 60, 1897.
Feddersen Poggendorf Ann. 116,

1862.

B. C. Heinke Electrotechn, Leitschr,

18, 1897.

Lisbon, Portugal, Oct. 10, 1901.

"The Physicians' Visiting List"

is just out. It is just the thing for doctors.
These pocket records are beautifully bound and
on the fly leaves is found emergency information.
The fact that the little book is always in the
pocket for recording cases, visits and consulta-
tions, makes it a most valuable reference in case
of emergency, when time is all important or when
it is not convenient to refer to the library. P.
Blakiston & Co., Publishers, 1012 Walnut Street,
Philadelphia, will give any information desired.

X-RAY MACHINES For Any Circuit.

Direct or Alternating. Battery or Lighting.
• We have a new line of PORTABLE MACHINES

Very compact and
very powerful,
with improved
spark gaps, inde-
pendent interrupt-
er, etc.

Then there is the

Cunningham
Mercury Jet
Interrupter,

Giving interrup-
tions variable at
will, from 10 to
10,000 per minute,
and breaking
current up to 30
amperes.

Will young X-Ray Machine— Latest Model— 8" to 18".
quarters for Tubes, Fluoroscopes, Tube Stands, Radiographs, Tables, Etc., Etc.

Elmer G. Willyoung, 11 Frankfort St., New York.

TUBES,

Perfect Glass, Reinforced Seals. They Can Always be Repaired.

X-Ray Tubes re-exhausted and repaired. Also Atomizers, Nebulizers for heavy fluids, and Inhalers
Gla.-s apparatus of all kinds. Correspondence Solicited.

Hrad

3TUNTZ & ARMSTRONG,

Owensboro, Ky,

1/

THE AMERICAN

X-RAY JOURNAL.

Devoted to Practical X-Ray Work and Allied Arts and Sciences.

PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY THE AMERICAN X-RAY PUBLISHING COMPANY.

HEBER ROBARTS, M. D . . M. E., Editor.

SUBSCRIPTION RATES— IN ADVANCE.

United States, Canada and Mexico $3.00 | Foreign Countries $4.00

Single Copies 25 | Single Copies 35

Editorial matter should be addressed to Dr. Heber Robarts, Editor, Suite 301 Chemical Bldg., St. Louis
All business matter should be addressed to The American X-Ray Journal Publishing Co., same address
All contributors oi original articles and other matter relative to X-Radiance, of interest to the medical

profession, are solicited from all parts oi the world. Contributors will be furnished a liberal number of

extra copies oi the Journal containing their articles.

Translation of articles written in German, French and Spanish is made by Frank Ring, M. D., 611

Chemical Building, St. Louis.

Entered at the Postofflce at St. Louis, Mo., as Second-Class Matter.

VOL. 9. ST. LOUIS, DECEMBER, 1901. NO. 6>

CONTEXTS VOL. 9, XO. 5. COXTENTS OF VOL. 9, NO. 6.

Iodoform in Knee Jcint.

Researches in the Direction of Obtaining
Radiographs and Fluoroscopic Ex-
aminations of the Muscles and Liga-
ments.

The Development of the Crooke's Tube
for the Past Twelve Months.

How the Induction Static Machine Can
Be Excited without Separate Charger.

X-Ray an Absolute Necessity in Dental
Surgery.

Hysteresis.

X-Ray in Country Practice.
Verdict— X- Ray Burn.
Fracture Upper Third of Thigl
X-Rays from Static Machir
rapeutic Purposes.

Visual Localization with Fluorometer.
Cancer.

Prospect of Cure in Cancer.
Diagnosis of Cancer of the Stomach.
Treatment of Inoperable Cancer.
Turck's Gyromele.
X-Ray Tubes.

Some Problems of Radiology.

THE AMERICAN

X-RAY JOURNAL.

Devoted to Practical X-Ray Work and Allied Arts and Sciences.

VOL. 9. ST. LOUIS, DECEMBER, 1901. MO. 6.

Researches in the Direction
of Obtaining Radiographs
and Fluoroscopic Exam-
inations of the M uscles
and Ligaments.

Read before the Roentgen Society of America, Uni-
versity Building, Buffalo, N. Y., Nov. 10, 1901,
BY H. WESTBURY.

I trust that the title of this little
paper will not lead the members to ex-
pect that any definite results have yet
been obtained in this direction, but I
think some brief explanation of what has
already been done, with a note of the
difficulties to be still overcome, may be
interesting and may also incite some of
our friends present to investigate this
important branch of x-ray research.

There are three directions in which it
may prove possible to obtain a definite
shadow of the interior of the body i. e.,
the softer tissues outside the bones, viz.,
the photographic plate, the fluoroscopic
screen and the x-ray tube.

i. — Regarding the photographic plate
itself I have not made any attempt to
investigate or alter the effect of the x-
ray shadow as thrown upon the plate
during exposure, as I recognize that
while it may be quite in the bounds of
possibility to obtain some coating apart
from the usual gelatine emulsion which
will produce startling results, this branch
of research is being ably taken up by
many well known photographers for
color photography and other purposes.
In fact, the question of obtaining various

emulsions giving different results to the
uniform black and white has so far
proved a very disinteresting one. The
old-fashioned collodion plate I may re-
mark in passing, shows no difference to
the gelatine. A suggestion has been
made to me to try the old Daguerrotype
process, but so far I have not done so.
If any one present has, I would like to
learn the results.

2. — Regarding the second direction —
the fluoroscopic screen — I have endeav-
ored to vary the results in two ways; first
by interposition between the tube and
the ordinary platine cyanide of barium
screen and second by changing the com-
position of the screen itself. The ques-
tion of interposition has, of course, been
entered upon in conjunction with the
tube more or less, bearing in mind that
the object in view was to break up the
light rays, if light rays they are, into
their various co-ordinates. I need not
go into, in this paper, the various ex-
periments made with metallic sub-
stances, which have already been fully
treated in the various papers published
on the different capacity of substances
to the x-rays and with which all of you
must be more or less familiar. Briefly,
none of the ordinary metallic materials
or screens make any difference to the
light rays. Some of the following ex-
periments, however, are interesting, not
so much from their results as their possi-
bilities:— A screen coated with thorium
and interposed between the tube and a
barium screen seems to act as an in-

IOO^

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

tensifyer, bringing the bones up in sharp
outline and in isolated instances showing
traces of the arteries, etc. A screen
coated with zirconium has much the
same effect, but not to such a marked de-
gree. I have tried a number of other
incandescent salts in the same way and
have obtained the same results in many
cases. Some of them when mixed with
the platino cyanide of barium in making
an ordinary screen show traces of the
ligaments and muscles, but not clearly,
and 1 firmly believe that it is in this di-
rection of changing the screen itself that
ultimate success lies. Nitrate of uran-
ium has some very peculiar properties
when subjected to the x-ray light,
either alone or with other salts. Alone
it is about equal to tungstate of cal-
cium if prepared and flowed in the usual
manner, but if used in lump form so
that the rays strike larger crystals of it,
traces of refraction may be seen, al-
though I have not yet been able to prove
this scientifically. Some other curious
results are obtained with some of the
quartz mineral blocks, especially such as
show prismatic refraction. Feldopar, as
you are doubtless aware, fluoresces con-
siderable to the rays and even in the
lump form a piece of ordinary note
paper or cardboard is lit up when placed
behind the crystal and the x-ray pro-
duced in front. All my researches in
this direction seem to prove that the x-
rays are really some form of light rays
low in the spectrum, but of course, I am
still unable to understand why, if this is
really the case, an aluminum or other
metallic screen grounded at one end
prevents burning, which I have incon-
testably proved it does. This fact seems
to adduce Mr. Tesla's theory of parti-
cles of matter, but on the other hand
possibly this is explained by the counter
theory that the injurious particles caus-
ing the burning emanate from the elec-
tric current and it is quite possible to
obtain a spark from the grounded screen.

Colored gelatine layers have all been
tried and do not seem to affect the rays
at all except in density and as you are
aware the ordinary lens has no effect.
The rays penetrate a diamond as easily
as paper, hence the fact that a true
diamond can always be told from a false
one with a medium or low tube. A very
high tube is apt to go through even car-
bon or paste imitations. Sulphide of
zinc and calcium are pratically non-
fluorescing to the rays, even if mixed
with other fluorescing salts and yet they
are decidedly useful for intensifying
screens and just as effective as tungstate
of calcium, which fact is certainly curi-
ous. I can safely say that the ordinary
methods of producing color photography
as at present known have not the slight-
est effect on radiography, only the
same black and white bone shadows be-
ing obtained.

3. — The x-ray tube is, of course,
only susceptible to different results by
practically following out the same in-
terposition theory as stated above. I
have varied the glass used in the tube
in many ways with practically little suc-
cess; the only thing that altered the rays
at all was a certain kind of ruby colored
glass a mixture of actinic and nonactinic
qualities which, you will remember, I
showed at the last meeting. It had a
bull's eye in the center made out of or-
dinary Crooke's tube glass and showed
two different densities on the ordinary
screen, but only very faint traces of the
tissues could be discerned. Numerous
varieties of coatings on the glass of the
tube have been tried and when coated
with certain incandescent salts, about
the same results are obtained, as stated
above, with a screen in interposition.
You are probably aware that it is a very
simple thing to change the rays pro-
ceeding from a tube, as far as the pene-
tratric powers are concerned, either by
using different glass or by surrounding
the tube with partly opaque substances,

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

1005

but this simply changes the working
amount of rays produced and does not
tend to help us in obtaining anything
else but the bones, etc. I have care-
fully followed up so far as possible the
isolated cases known to most of us,
where a plate has been exposed in the
usual manner and much to the operator's
surprise, some portion of arteries or
tissues have been obtained after devel-
opment, but in each case I have been
unable to find any such extraordinary
conditions as to enable one to repeat
the effects obtained at will. A recent
plate even showed the hair lying close
to the arm very plainly, but in another
plate exposed identically the same, no
such traces are visible. Again I have a
plate showing the ligaments and ten-
dons of the wrist very plainly — exposure
one minute. Carbutt plate, medium
the same conditions and even with the
same wrist do not show these points.
Are there, therefore, some peculiar con-
ditions in the air, only rarely present,
altering the molecules of the rays suffi-
ciently to change their penetrative quali-
ties, or what is the explanation? Of
course, body conditions would make a
great difference, as many of us have
come across persons, whom it was al-
most impossible to penetrate, owing to
the density of their flesh. I know of
one such case at present that takes a
tube which will easily penetrate an or-
dinary wall, before any shadow of the
bones can be taken. This, however,
can not very well explain the fact of the
same person giving a different result,
when exposed within five minutes of the
first exposure.

I have it on good authority that Mine
Curie has obtained some interesting re-
sults in this line with radium as an in-
terposed substance; in fact, it is claimed
that thelungs, heart, kidneys, etc. , can be
examined very plainly through the fluor-
oscope with this ally. As I have not yet
had the opportunity to try this, of course,

I can not say whether it is any help in
the direction we desire. I have been
promised some radium and hoped to
have been able to show it at this meet-
ing, but unfortunately, I have not yet
received it, but shall certainly try it in
this way as soon as it reaches me.

If there are any of our members who
have made any researches in this di-
rection I would very much like to hear
from them, as the whole line of research
is extremely fascinating and important
to us all, and there are so many rare
salts and minerals and combinations of
such that it is impossible for any one per-
son to try them all in any way, but in
closing I would like to say that I firmly
believe that this can and will be done
and before very long. The benefit to
the surgeon and doctor will be, I think,
even more important than the ability to
see the bones; at any rate, it will be one
step nearer to the much desired power
of seeing all that may occur in that com-
plicated machine, our body.

THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE CROOKE's TUBE
FOR THE PAST TWELVE MONTHS.

While no very great or startling de-
velopments have been made in the
Crooke's tube during the past twelve
months, yet a number of minor improve-
ments have been designed, making the
Crooke's tube at the present day consid-
erably in advance of that of a year ago.
It should be remembered by all operators
that the manufacturers are constantly
experimenting in little matters of detail
with the aim of bringing the tube nearer
and nearer to perfection and while these
little technical improvements would be
passed by without notice by the operator,
they all tend to improve the efficiency
and penetrative power of the rays.

It may be interesting to members pres-
ent to recapitulate for a few moments
the steady progression, which has been
made in the manufacture of Crooke's

ioo6

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

tubes. Up to the present time all prac-
tical tubes for the production of x-rays
have been made in a glass chamber
whether of spherical, cylindrical or other
shape bulb, into which are sealed by
means of platinum wires, two or more
electrodes usually made of aluminum
which serve to carry the electrical cur-
rent into the bulb.

The earliest forms of x-ray tubes were
made with two electrodes set into the
bulb at almost a right angle to each
other, each terminating in a circular disc,
of aluminum or other metal, one of such
discs being made larger than the other.
In use the negative terminal of the ex-
citing apparatus was attached to the
larger disc and the positive terminal to the
smaller disc, thus making the larger
disc the cathode and the smaller disc
the anode. When the bulb was thus
operated the cathode rays would produce
x-rays at the point of contact of the elec-
trical discharge in the tube, causing the
x-rays to be thrown against the glass at a
point opposite the cathode. Such tubes
were elementary and so on gave way to
an improved type.

The next form of tube seems to have
been one in which the two electrodes
were opposite each other with both
cathode and anode inclined at an angle
giving better results both for clearness
and definition. Such a form of tube was
employed by Mr. Edison in May, 1896,
the National Electrical Exposition in
New York City when many thousands of
persons saw for the first time the x-ray
phenomena. A number of experiment-
ors had, however, found that some
method of focusing the rays was absolute-
ly necessary to obtain shape, and outline
and tubes were finally designed with a
piece of thin platinum at the end of one
of the electrodes, leaving the cup-shaped
aluminum at the end of the other, but
made more or less concave so that the
cathode rays were impinged upon the
surface of the platinum electrode. The

value of this detail has recently been rec-
ognized from the fact that all the present
types of tubes are made on practically
this principle with, of course, various
improvements that have suggested them-
selves from time to time.

The size of the glass bulb is now made
either four or five inches in diameter by
nearly all the manufacturers, as this
seems to be the most suitable for x-ray
work. There does not seem to be much
advantage gained by using larger sizes,
although a few operators using very
heavy coils or static machines use eight
or ten-inch bulbs with good results, but
as a general thing, extending the length
of the terminals of the tube will prevent
every chance of any sparks jumping
across the outside of the tube.

Among the later improvements may
be included the reinforcing of the anode
with copper or nickle, designed to meet
the demand for a tube, which would
stand up against the heavy currents now
used. Such currents will burn a hole
through an ordinary anode in a very
short time and if allowed to run, will
melt it all up. Thick pieces of metal
either platinum, comium or iridium or
alloys of these metals have been used
for some years, but the chief trouble
with a solid anode is that the metal gives
off so much gas that it is very difficult to
obtain a steady vacuum in such tubes,
added to which the cost is prohibitive
However, the reinforcement of the anode
is very satisfactory and until some better
method of diffusing the heat is devised,
it is probably the best type of tube for
use with very heavy currents.

A recent improvement has been made
on this reinforced type, consisting of a
percentage of platinum being alloyed in
the face of the nickle backing instead of
being laid over in sheet form on it. This
enables the operator to use a much
heavier current than before, as this anode
has the merit of being practically the
same as a soild one. It also heats very

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

1007

slowly and the platinum, of course, does
not buckle up as the previous type will
do if a white heat is obtained. Until
recently a copper backing was used in
tubes made abroad, but they have now
discontinued this for nickle, probably
owing to the fact that copper gives off
gas very badly and also tends to discolor
the bulb. Yet another form of anode
we have noticed consists of nickle al-
loyed with iridium which gives fair re-
sults, but is more difficult to exhaust to a
high vacuum than the alloyed platinum
and nickle.

Some little improvements have been
made within the past year in tubes with
an adjustment for cooling off the target
by means of water, but at the present
time owing to their lack of uniformity
and their expensive cost (from $40.00 to
$60.00 each), they can not be recom-
mended to the general user. Some fur-
ther developments, however, on this line
may produce a tube, which will prove
satisfactory, as occasionally a magnifi-
cent tube may be seen with this device,
but unfortunately, apart from the primal
high price, they can not be repaired for
anything, like a moderate figure.

Probably most of the experimenting
on Crooke's tubes this yean has been
with the adjuster. Several new salts or
amalgamation of salts have been tried
with good results and it is now possible
to obtain tubes in which either hydrogen
or oxygen can be liberated in addition to
the old-fashioned watery vapor obtained
from potash alone. So far we have not
discovered any salt suitable for liberating
nitrogen, but as a matter of scientific
curiosity, trust to do so very shortly.

The use of the adjuster tube is grad-
ually growing in favor both in this coun-
try and abroad and there is no doubt
that if the operator can be assured that
he may keep his vacuum perfectly steady
with the adjuster, then tubes not fitted
with such a device would rapidly become
obsolete. Last year, you will remember,

that the device for lowering the vacuum
was more or less in an elementary con-
dition. The methods of sparking in
common use were more or less likely to
puncture the tube, owing to a spark
penetrating the glass and the noise
caused by the continual passing of the
spark in the air was apt to be very irri-
tating to the operator and I may add,
terrifying to the average patient. A
new device has been designed this year,
which obviates this difficulty and by
means of which the vacuum in a tube
can be lowered or again raised at will.
We are now, therefore, able to obtain
body pictures in less time than formerly,
owing to the fact that initially high
vacuum tubes can be used with impu-
nity. As the operators present are well
aware, it is very easy with any appara-
tus to manipulate a low vacuum tube,
with which the bones of the hand, arm
or leg can be seen very plainly and with
good definition, but immediately the
operator endeavors to look through the
body nothing is obtained. This, of
course, is owing to the fact that such a
tube has not sufficient penetrative power.
If a high vacuum tube is placed on the
apparatus and sufficient current forced
through it to excite it, it will penetrate
the heavy parts of the body without
definition and all that can be seen is a
fussy outline of the bones, the penetra-
tion being much too great. The prob-
lem, therefore, is to take such a high
vacuum tube and increase the definition
without lowering the penetration too
much and so far this has only been
done by means of chemical adjusters.

The user of a modern adjuster tube is
especially cautioned in operating the
adjuster to first simply allow a single
spark to pass through the salt, as in
most cases this is amply sufficient to re-
duce the vacuum of the tube at once.
Failing this, he should still proceed with
caution, disconnecting the adjuster wire
frequently and allowing the current to

ioo8

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

pass directly through the tube until he
has the required vacuum. Many tubes
are often reduced so low by a liberal use
of the adjuster that failing sufficient
current to heat up the anode and so ab-
sorb the gas, they have to be returned
to the manufacturer for re-exhaustion.

The operator using an ordinary non-
adjustable tube can, of course, tempora-
rily lower the vacuum when it becomes
too high by warming the body of the
tube carefully, but great care has to be
taken not to crack the bulb. Probably
the safest way is to lay the tube on or
near a radiator until it is gently warmed
through. Such a tube can sometimes be
reduced in vacuum by reversing the po-
larities for 20 or 30 minutes, taking care
not to bombard the aluminum cathode
long enough to melt it down. If the
operator has a fairly powerful current,
patient manipulation of the terminals
of his machine in conjunction with spark
gaps will sometimes lower a tube suffi-
ciently to enable it to be used, although
it must be remembered that a non-ad-
justable tube will finally reach a point
where the vacuum will not come down
and it will have to be re-exhausted.

On the other hand, sometimes a tube
will be too low in vacuum. In this case,
if it is filled with a purplish gas it can
usually be understood that there is a
very fine leak or puncture somewhere and
that it will have to be re-exhausted. If,
however, the color of the gas is blue or
grey then the operator can usually run
the vacuum up with a little patience. If
his exciting apparatus is powerful
enough, the anode should be heated red
hot and then allowed to cool off, then
heated again and cooled off repeating at
intervals of several days and the vacuum
will probably improve until x-rays are
obtained. On a static machine the use
of one or both spark gaps will generally
raise a tube sufficiently for use or if not a
careful use of the Leyden jars or con-
denser. This also applies to a coil, but

not to such a degree as to the static ma-
chine.

In closing I may say that while the
Crooke's tube is still far from perfection,
yet the last year has seen a number of
minor improvements in construction and
detail, improvements in most cases so
small as to escape the notice of the
average operator, but all tending to in-
crease the efficiency and life of the tube.
Speaking egotistically, I do not think
that we have any reason to be ashamed
of the development of Crooke's tubes
made in this country and trust before
long to see the product of American
manufacturers in this line taking the same
place as every other scientific manu-
facture— the top of the tree.
Harrison, New Jersey.

Dr. Niles R. Finsen in Meddelelser
fra Finsen s Lys. Institut, gives a sum-
mary of his treatment of all skin diseases
by use of the Finsen light. At the close
of the year 1899 he had under treatment
121 cases of lupus. While during the
previous years the lupus patients were
treated exclusively by light, there were
during 1898 and 1899 some cases which
also had other treatment as preparatory
for and auxiliary to the light cure.

Whilst under treatment with the rays
nearly all the patients wore a protective
bandage.

Some of the patients had an experi-
mental treatment with Roentgen rays.

The report fails to give number of
so-called permanent cures and also fails
to mention result of treatment with the
x-rays. Subsequent evidence, however,
javors the Roentgen light to all other
modes of treatment.

At the Academy of Medicine of Cin-
cinnati, Dr. E. H. Shield stated that he
had seen several cases of chronic rheu-
matism entirely relieved of pain by sub-
jecting them to the x-rays. He also
spoke of pigmented naevus of the foot
improving under the rays.

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

1009

How the Induction Static
Machine Can Be Excited
Without a Separate
Charger.

Read Before the Roentgen Society of America, Uni-
versity Building, Buffalo, N. Y., Sept.'ll, 1901,,
BY JOHN TOWNSEND PITKIN, M. D.

Around the poles of a loadstone, an
ordinary horseshoe magnet, or an elec-
tro magnet, there exists what is techni-
cally known as a field of force, the pres-
ence of which can be made manifest by
its action on particles of iron or the
electrification of a conductor brought
within its confines.

When the permanent or electro— mag-
net is circular in form, or the magnetic
circuit is closed by a suitable piece of
iron called a keeper or armature, the
magnetic lines of force will find a path
of less resistance in the iron, than in an
areal pathway, and the magnetic field of
force will not be apparent.

Permeating the insulation and sur-
rounding medium of an electrified wire,
there also exists a magnetic field of force,
shown by the electrification of neighbor-
ing conductors, the attraction of iron
fillings or the diverging of a compass
needle brought within its influence.

Various appellations have been given
by recent writers and teachers of electro-
magnetism, to the magnetic zone of in-
fluence. They are, 1, magnetic field,
2, induction action, which is subdivided
into mutual and self-induction; 3, mag-
netic lines or tubes of force. The
older writers spoke of it as an action at a
distance or action by influence.

When a metallic object or conductor
becomes the seat of a high tension
electrical charge, it is customary to speak
of its field, as made up of electro-static
lines of force, or of electrical waves. The
word magnetism for unknown reasons is
not employed.

Having an inspiration in accord with

the spirit of the times the writer has
boldly ventured to draw the line of de-
marcation between the force called mag-
netism on the one hand, and electricity
on the other, more sharply than it has
ever been drawn before for the following
reasons:

Inasmuch as the circular magnet is
considered a unit complete within itself,
so the horseshoe magnet and its keeper
should be similarly considered. If the
keeper is removed, its place will be
taken by the air, or any other dielectric
which comes within the magnetic path-
way, does not the dielectric become an
essential portion of the magnetic integer?

If so it follows that when the iron
core of an electro-magnet is removed its
place will be taken by the atmosphere,
the air becoming a portion of the elec-
tro-magnet.

It also follows that an electrified wire
is surrounded by an elongated magnet,
consisting of the excited, investing
tunics and the atmosphere, irrespective
of the E. M. F. of the current, it does
not matter whether the current is of low
or high potential, the force which per-
meates the dielectric without breaking it
down should always be called magnetism.
Insulators are magnetic substances.

The Hertz waves employed in wire-
less telegraphy are not electrical, but
magnetic in character. Magnetism is in
all probability one of the interplanetary
forces the essential constituent of the
solar rays.

Consider, if you will, the position
taken in this paper tenable and how the
study of static electrical apparatus is
thereby simplified and elucidated.

The glass, mica or hard rubber plates,
revolving and stationary, are magnets,
which, by their mutual reaction upon
each other and the surrounding atmos-
phere, form magnetic circuits. Metallic
objects placed in these circuits become
electrified. The static machine is there-

IOIO

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

fore a high potential dynamo, a gener-
ator of the lightning current.

If the current from such a generator
is conducted to the arms of a second
static machine, the revolving plates or
armature of the second instrument will
move in the opposite direction and light
running machinery attached to the pul-
ley on its axle can be operated. Under
these circumstances the static machine
is an electro-motor.

As already intimated the electro-mag-
nets constituting the fields of a dynamo,
a motor or a dynamotor find their ana-
logue in the stationary or field plates of
the static machine, the tinfoil or gilded
paper taking the place of the wire wound
upon the bobbin, and the sheet of glass
or other material is the counterpart of
the iron core.

In the construction of the Toepler
static machine the stationary or field
plates are usually circular in form, com-
posed of two thin discs of glass cemented
to each other.

Inclosed between these two sheets of
glass are two large kidney shaped pieces
of paper, similar to each other in their
dimensions and symmetrical in their po-
sition which is equidistant from an im-
aginary line drawn vertically through the
center of the field plates.

Superimposed on either side of each
kidney shaped piece of paper at their
center, is a narrow strip of tinfoil. The
strips of tinfoil face outwards so that
they may be seen through the glass
plates, each strip is metallically con-
nected to a fine wire brush which plays
against the outer surface of the neighbor-
ing revolving disc where, by the friction
between brush and disc, a condition of
electro-magnetic excitation is estab-
lished.

After excitation, the brushes and their
supporters act as conductors of electric-
ity, from the revolving to the stationary
plates, and thus maintain the electro-
magnetic activity of the latter structures.

It will be our effort to demonstrate
that after primary excitation is obtained
a collecting comb can perform the func-
tion of conductor equally as well as the
brush and the apparatus can thus be re-
lieved of the objectional friction action.

In other words, to show that brushes
are only necessary on a Toepler or other
variety of static machine to bring it into
primary action.

As the result of considerable study and
experimental work prosecuted with a
view of incorporating in a single static
machine all of the good features of its
predecessors, to eliminate as far as pos-
sible their objectional ones and, at the
same time, add such improvements as
might prove of benefit, the writer deter-
mined to incorporate within a single
case upon a common axle a single sec-
tioned, variously modified, Toepler in-
strument with a Holtz machine of many
sections, both portions to have revolving
plates of the same dimensions.

As constructed the Toepler section
develops the initial charge which excites
all portions of the apparatus. After full
electrical activity is obtained, by a special
device, operated from the outside of the
case, the brushes are thrown out of ac-
tion and their places taken by small col-
lecting combs, then the entire machine
can be operated as a purely induction
apparatus.

This device consists of a hard rubber
knob or handle the base of which passes
through the woodwork at the rear of the
case. On the inside of the machine the
base of the handle is fastened by a hinge
joint to a long piece of hard rubber
tubing in such a manner that the turn-
ing of the knob will impart to the tub-
ing a to and fro motion. The tubing is
placed diagonally across the machine
behind the posterior wheel, just under
the axle, nearly at right angle to the
neutralizing rod. It is supported at
either extremity by a short arm, which
extends to a small metallic hub attached

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

i o I I

to the projecting edge of the stationary
plates. From the same hub there pro-
jects at other angles a brush and a comb
holder. So that the to and fro motion
of the rod imparted tnrough the knob on
the outside of the case will throw one of
these structures into and the other out
of action.

Owing to the resistance in the form
of air gaps interposed between the col-
lecting combs of the field plates and the
revolving discs the Toepler machine
thus constructed, can not reverse its
polarity while in operation.

If the brushes are removed and are
not replaced by collecting combs, the
Toepler section appears to work back-
wards because it consumes some of the
energy generated by the other portions
of the apparatus.

The Toepler section also differs from
the conventional form of that machine
in that the exciting energy for both sta-
tionary plates is obtained from the ex-
ternal or posterion revolving disc. Not
any energy is taken from the internal or
anterior disc, consequently, that struct-
ure is not provided as is usually the case
with sectors.

When all the portions of the appa-
ratus are electrically active the Toepler
section generates a quantity of electricity
which compares favorably with the
amount generated by any single section
of the Holtz.

The kidney shaped paper fields of the
Toepler are turned from their usual sym-
metrical position and are brought as
nearly as possible into this alinement
with the saddle shaped paper fields of
the Holtz.

This combination of old and new
principles has been operated most suc-
cessfully in the hands of several local
experts. It is now presented from the
home of my alma mater for your in-
spection, commendation or criticism.
Buffalo N. Y.

X-Ray an Absolute Necessity
in Dental Surgery.

BY DR. FRANK AUSTIN ROY.

Mr. President and Gentlemen of the Roentgen So-
ciety of America.

We make a very strong statement
whan we claim that anything is an ab-
solute necessity, but the electrics have
become such to modern life, to twentieth
century existence.

Some places exist without the tele-
phone, telegraph, etc., but not for long
in this century. They are asleep or dy-
ing because lacking the necessities of
twentieth century life.

So the surgeon who goes on guessing
with or without good judgment and ex-
perience, probing and prodding and cut-
ting for mere diagnosis, while his con-
freres use the x-ray and know what to do
without preliminary exploratory operat-
ing. The surgeon who fails to use this
necessity will drop out of the race this
century.

This positive diagnosis has become a
necessity also to dental surgery. Deal-
ing with the structures that affect the
appearance of the face as well as having
their more utilitarian value at the gate-
way of the digestive tract, any extra or
uncertain cutting here does far more
harm because disfigurement is added to
loss of use and impairment of the nutri-
tive functions so necessary to life. So
I may say positively that in this twentieth
century the x-ray is an absolute neces-
sity to dental surgery. Without the
x-ray such surgery is of the past.

Dr. Price and others of this society
have done an immense amount of x-ray
work for dental surgery. Your wonder-
ful pictures have corrected diagnosis and
shown how useful the x-ray is to us.

I belong to that class of dentists who
believe we must go beyond the merely
mechanical in dentistry and meet all the
surgical requirements that are in any

I 01 2

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

w*y connected with the teeth, yet not
caring to do any surgery not so con-
nected.

There are very many troubles of the
teeth and adjoining parts that require
more than mere mechanical treatment.
True surgical work is necessary. To
diagnose the location and extent of the
trouble is always difficult, but with the
x-ray it becomes positive.

Very few dentists have neither the time
or inclination to take up for themselves
the study of the x-ray and the necessary
photography. I believe we can much
better afford to pay an expert than spend
time becoming only mediocre x-ray oper-
ators, especially as good dental x-ray
work is very difficult to attain.

Dentists can find good men within
reach in any section of the country. I
do not think any one thing could do more
to extend and popularize the use of the
x-ray. You who do this kind of work
should advertise yourselves among the
dentists for the good of the cause, even if
you are too busy yourselves.

Being difficult work, you must get a
good fee to pay you for the extra trouble
that comes up in many cases.

It may take some time for the dentist
to learn to read the negatives aright, but
if he really knows the pathological con-
ditions liable to be met in dental surgery,
then, with the assistance of a slight
knowledge of photography, he will get
positive results and be willing to pay
well for good x-ray work.

I have had very fine work done for my
patients, giving me positive diagnosis,
and reassuring the patients as to pro-
posed operations.

There is no need of citing cases. You
have had a great many fine negatives of
such cases exhibited before this society.

W hy should a New York surgeon ad-
vise drilling into the jaw to see if there
be a nonerupted tooth, when a New Or-
leans dentist had located the tooth with
the x-ray?

Why should a patient go on suffering
pain for years with an apparently healthy
tooth and wish it extracted, when the
x-ray picture showed conclusively a
slight blind abscess easily cured by a
simple operation.

Why should we go on probing and
prodding and cutting blindly when a per-
fect diagnosis can be made with the help
of your services with the x-ray?
New York City.

Hysteresis.

It has been noticed by operators of
x-ray coil machines that when the inter-
ruptions are very rapid there are less
x-rays than when the interruptions are
slower. We have been asked to ex-
plain this. In the journal of Physical
Therapeutics for Oct. 15. Ch. Colombo
and Thouvenet have written these words:
'•The more frequent the interruptions
the shorter becomes the time during
which the case is excited, for here the
phenomena of hysteresis comes into play ;
that is to say, a delay of magnetization
and of demagnetization. The magnet-
ization does not arise immediately on
the passage of the current, and does not
cease immediately. The current stops in
the same way as a mill-wheel: does not
begin to move immediately the water
falls on it, nor does it stop immediately
the water ceases to flow, on account of
the phenomena of inertia. Hysteresis
represents magnetic inertia. Now as the
phenomena of hysteresis have come into
play, it may be said that the greater the
speed the less the magnetization and
consequently the less the secondary dis-
charge. Hence high frequencies can not
be obtained by the interrupter, which in
reality possesses an action much more
limited than might be thought and which,
to work well, ought to work the more
slowly the greater the size of the coil."

Subscribe for The American X-Rav
Journal — $3.00 a year.

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

101 3

X-Ray in Country Practice.

Read before the Roentgen Society oi America, Uni-
versity Building, Buffalo, N. Y., Sept. 11, 1901,
BY DR. JOSEPH C. CLARKE.

The x-ray in the practice of medicine
and surgery in the country has become a
decided necessity as an adjunct to sur-
gical skill and medical diagnosis and the
object of this paper is to show the sim-
plicity of its use in many emergencies
that arise.

The country physician may be a little
backward upon the theory of the x-ray
light, the cause of the x-ray burn and
many other mooted points, but if he is
going to do x-ray work he must have a
good apparatus which every morning
must be put in working order, ready for
the emergency that may come upon him
like a bolt of lightning out of a clear sky.
My usual course during the muggy
weather is to put a Mason fruit jar, filled
with cracked ice in the static machine
and if it is very damp and humid, light
my gas stove for about half an hour,
raising the temperature of the room to
about 90 degrees. This, with the help
of a charger, will insure a good current
every day of the 365. After four years
of experience with actual cases, I am
more than ever a firm friend of the soft
tube and have yet to have a burn occur
in my practice.

The patient appears with a needle in
the hand or an elbow that is injured and
a radiograph is desired. My photo-
grapher furnishes me with the size plate
needed and after an exposure of from 2
to 30 minutes, depending upon the thick-
ness of the part, the plate is returned to
the gallery and developed under my di-
rection. My experience with ordinary
plates has been so satisfactory that I
shall continue to use them until I find
something better.

If an operation is decided upon, the
plate is brought back and used for refer-
ence during the operation and the

prints from the plate are made later.

Now all this is very simple, but to
read an abnormal condition correctly,
one must know the normal and I have
on hand radiographs of nearly all the
joints taken to locate foreign bodies, and
by comparison am able to make a sure
diagnosis.

Since the meeting in New York last
December, where my treatment of Lupus
was the only case reported in this coun-
try, I have treated three cases of Lupus
successfully and present a photo of one
of them. There have been no relapses
in these cases.

I believe the Roentgen ray will cure
rapidly and quickly the superficial varie-
ties of Lupus and will control and assist
caustics in the cure of the deeper varie-
ties that are characterized by relapses
and the formation of tubercles. I be-
lieve it will relieve the pain and often
cause marked lessening of discharge in
epithelial cancer, but do not believe it
will cure them, nor do I believe it will
cure pulmonary tuberculosis and I would
suggest this society make a definite
statement upon these subjects, because
the quacks all over the country are vic-
timizing many, who if they were warned,
would then have no one to blame but
themselves.

The use of the Roentgen ray, in my
opinion, will for some time to come be an
emergency one, and the surgeon whose
office is equipped with apparatus and
familiarity due to daily use will always
be prepared for any emergency that may
•arise, and also can dip into the many
new avenues of use that are constantly
opening. I believe a clear cut state-
ment as to just what can be done by the
x-ray as an aid to diagnosis by any good
common-sense physician will do more to
advance the use of the x-ray than columns
upon the cause of x-ray burn and other
theories.

The following emergency case came
into my office last Friday: A child 16

ici4

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

months old, with a history of having
commenced to choke the Wednesday
evening preceding. Temp. 193, pulse
160, respiration 60, croupy and signs of
decided obstruction in the larnyx. An
x-ray examination showed a foreign sub-
stance in the larnyx. Tracheotomy was
performed and the foreign substance lo-
cated in the aesophagus and all efforts to
reach it and remove it through the mouth
failing, the subtance was pushed into
the stomach with a bougie. The child,
upon Saturday, passed a copper rivet ^
of an inch long with a head }i of an inch
in diameter and is making a rapid
recovery.

In conclusion, I would say, have a
good apparatus that is always ready and
then with care and ordinary skill suc-
cessful results will follow your efforts.

Olean. X. Y.

Verdict— X-Ray Burn.

Otis Clapp & Son of Providence, R.
I., have written us that a verdict has
just been rendered against them for the
sum of $6,750 on account of an x-ray
burn inflicted with a static machine.

Dr. Augustus C. Bernays has recently
been elected president of the Academy
of Medicine. This is the most enlight-
ened, classical and high grade medical
body west of the Allegheny's. Lr. Dam-
pheare was the retiring president. Both
of these surgeons use the x-rays.

Dr. John B. Deaver, of Philadelphia,
in the St. Louis Clinique, says that the
x-ray is used in making differential diag-
nosis between renal colic and appendi-
citis.

0

IK A 1 I I HI IIM'KK THIRD OF THIGH.

Note nature's effort to repair, by the abundance of callus thrown about the frag-
ments, notwithstanding the bones are almost at right angles.
Property Ol 8t. Louis X-Ray Laboratory, Chemical Building, Eighth and Olive Streets.

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

1015

X-Rays from Static Machines
for Therapeutic Purposes.

The following letter from Dr. Pusey, of
Chicago, will explain itself. The inquiry
is a quotation from his reprint on the
x-rays in the treatment of skin diseases.
Dr. Pusey's opinion is not shared by all
x-ray operators:

Nov. 7, 1901.
Dr. Heber Robarts, St. Louis, Mo.

Dear Doctor: — I have your favor of October 30
asking me why "the work should not be under-
taken with static machines or with the ordinary
apparatus used for diagnostic purposes." The
answer to this is suggested in the previous sen-
tence of the same paragraph of my article, viz. :
"It is necessary that all of the factors involved in
producing the light be definite and that there be
repeated exposures to a weak light, the effects of
which may be controlled, rather than the use of a
strong light for a few exposures." As I said in
that paragraph I use the technique suggested by
Schiff and Freund, described in my previous
article, in which the light is produced by standard
current of 12 volts and \ amperes and a coil of
30 c. m. spark length. I believe it is only by main-

taining your factors definite and using a weak
light that you can pursue the method with safety
in all cases. The light produced with a static
machine is in quantities which are greater than is
safe to use repeatedly for long exposures and there
is no way of accurately determining the factors in
the production of light. Of course, the often
made statement that burns do not occur with
static machines is readily refutable. The ordinary
apparatus used for diagnostic purposes requires
a larger primary current than I believe is safe
and the ordinary apparatus also is not equipped
with means of measuring the primary current.
For these reasons I believe it should not be used
for the sort of work which I had under consider-
ation. Of course, in desperate conditions like
inoperable carcinomas one might be justified in
running the risk of injury by the use of uncertain
and large quantities of light, but I take up in my
article rather more extensively than the malig-
nant diseases minor affections of the skin which
are treated with the x-rays, as acne, hypertrich-
osis, and the treatment of such cases should be
undertaken only with apparatus where the chances
of any damage are reduced to a minimum. I was
afraid in writing my article, when considering its
use in such conditions as acne, sycosis, ring-
worm, etc., that some men who are unfamiliar
with the subject might be led on to use it in these

The Kinraide High-Frequeiicy Coil.

The best
apparatus
for use
with the
direct or
alternating
current,

SEND FOR

DESCRIPTIVE

CIRCULAR.

EX B. Meyrowitz,

Maker of Ophthalmological Apparatus, Complete Standard Electro-Therapeutic Equipments,

X-Ray Apparatus and High Grade Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Instruments.
104 East Twenty-third Street, ) 604 Nicollet Avenue, Minneapolis.

125 West Forty-second Street, [-NEW YORK, 36a St. Peter Street, St. Paml.

650 Madison Avenue, ) 3 rue Scribe, Paris, France.

ioi6

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

comparatively trivial affections without due care
and with the production of unexpected disastrous
results, I felt, therefore, that at least one short
paragraph of caution should be given.
Thanking you for your kind letter, I am,

Yours truly, W. A. Pusev.

The Electrical Review, of London,
gave a brief summary of the meeting of
the Roentgen Ray Society of America.
The expression was kind and timely,
and is appreciated by members who read
this great weekly.

Otis Clapp & Son of Providence, R. I.,
will pay cash for Vol. 6 of The American
X-Ray Journal. Any one desiring to
dispose of this Vol. please write to them.

D'Arsonval currents are not high fre-
quencies, but are condenser discharges
with not too high speed interruptions.
They are oscillation discharges.

Instruction

IN-

X-RAY WORK

Is now offered to Physicians at the

St. Louis X-Ray Laboratory.

The Static Machine and a variety of
coils are used in giving instructions.
The commercial current, storage bat-
tery, Wehnelt interrupter, methods for
correcting apparent distortions of the
rays are taught, together with the gen-
eral detail of x-ray work and develop-
ing of plates.

300 Chemical B'ldg, 8th and Olive Sts.
Write or call for particulars.

X-RAY MACHINES For Any Circuit.

r Alternating. Battery or Lighting.

new line of PORTABLE MACHINES

Very compact and
very powerful,
with improved
spark gaps, inde-
pendent interrupt-
er, etc.

Then there is the

Cunningham
Mercury Jet
Interrupter,

^ Giving interrup-
I tions variable at
will, from 10 to
|1 10,000 per minute,
J and breaking
current up to :*"
|MP^" amperes.
Willyoung X-Ray Machine— Latest Model— 8" to 18".
Headquarters for Tubes, Fluoroscopes, Tube Stands, Radiographs, Tables, Etc., Etc.

Elmer G. Willyoung, 11 Frankfort St., New York.
X-RAY TUBKS.

Perfect Glass, Reinforced Seals. They Can Always be Repaired.

X-Uay Tubes re-exhausted and repaired. Also Atomizers, Nebulizers for heavy fluids, and Inhalers

(ilass apparatus Ol all kinds. Correspondence Solicited.

STUNTZ & ARMSTRONG,

Owensboro, Ky.

THE AMERICAN

X-RAY JOURNAL.

Devoted to Praciical X-Ray Work and Allied Arts and Sciences.

PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY THE AMERICAN X-RAY PUBLISHING COMPANY

HEBER ROBARTS, M. D., M. E., Editor.

SUBSCRIPTION RATES— IN ADVANCE.

United States, Canada and Mexico $3.00 | Foreign Countries $4.00

Single Copies 25 | Single Copies 35

Editorial matter should be addressed to Dr. Heber Robarts, Editor, Suite 301 Chemical Bldg., St. Louis
All business matter should be addressed to The American X-Ray Journal Publishing Co., same address
All contributors of original articles and other matter relative to X-Radiance, of interest to the medical

profession, are solicited from all parts of the world. Contributors will be furnished a liberal number oi

extra copies of the Journal containing their articles.

Translation of articles written in German, French and Spanish is made by Frank Ring, M. D., 611

Chemical Building, St. Louis.

Entered at the Postofflce at St. Louis, Mo., as Second-Class Matter.

VOL. 10. ST. LOUIS, APRIL, 1902. NO. 1>

CONTENTS OF VOL. 9, NO. 6

Iodoform in Knee Joint.

Researches in the Direction of Obtaining
Radiographs and Fluoroscopic Ex-
aminations of the Muscles and Liga-
ments.

The Development of the Crooke's Tube
for the Past Twelve Months.

How the Induction Static Machine Can
Be Excited without Separate Charger.

X-Ray an Absolute Necessity in Dental
Surgery.

Hysteresis.

X-Ray in Country Practice.
Verdict — X-Ray Burn.
Fracture Upper Third of Thigh.
X-Rays from Static Machines for The
rapeutic Purposes.

CONTENTS VOL. 10, NO. 1.

The Practical X-Ray Diagnosis.
A B C of X-Ray.

The Value of the X-Ray as a Thera-
peutic Agent.
Tube and Exposure.

Roentgen Rays in Medicine and Surgery
Radiant Ore in United States.
Letter from D. W. Spence.
Letter from H. A. Dow.
Letter from J. Hall Edwards.
Protection for X-Ray Workers' Hands.
Multiple Use of Static Machine While
Running.

The Practical X-Ray Diag-
nosis.

Prepared by J. Rudis-Jicinsky. A. M . M. D . M. E..
Cedar Rapids, la. Revised by M. U. Dr.
Joseph Hofiman, Vienna, Austria.

A series of A. B. C. teaching for workers in x-ray
diagnosis and therapeutics, to be concluded in
20 articles. Fully illustrated.

PREFACE.

In presenting these series of articles
to the student of the new branch of
diagnosis, I wish to express my obliga-
tions to the many of my collaborators
and authors, whose various works I have
freely consulted, asking from the reader
kind consideration of my effort to de-
scribe fully and practically the progress
of the x-ray since its discovery, the
phases of which have changed, especial-
ly in diagnosis, and are still changing.

What are the x-rays?

We do not know just what the x-rays
are, nor why they are produced under
the conditions existing in a vacuum
tube. But we do know that by follow-
ing certain processes and making certain
chemical combinations we can make as
much x-rays and in such proportions as
we want or need for penetration of cer-
tain objects. It is difficult to predict to
what final uses the simple fact discov-
ered by Prof. Roentgen, that different
substances are more or less opaque to
the x-rays, in proportion to their density,
may be put, and what the near future
will bring us in regard to the proper
diagnosis in Surgery and Medicine.

l.

There are enormous possibilities lying
dormant.

Emile Gautier says: "Suppose that
we are looking at a photograph repre-
senting the skeleton of a pocketbook.
There are the metallic parts, the frame,
the leather lightly discernable, while in-
side are the key and a piece of money.

"Let us now see how the photograph-
er produces this queer picture.

"First, he goes into his dark cabinet.
He has no electrical apparatus or any
other apparatus for that matter.

"He places the pocketbook on a sen-
sitive plate. At the end of two or three
hours he takes his plate, develops it,
and we have the photograph of the pock-
etbook. All this has been done without
sun or electricity.

"What kind of a miracle is this?

"It is simple. The photographer has
left in the proximity of the plate a tube,
containing a few centigrams of chloride
of barium. This story reads like a fairy
tale, yet it is only one chapter of the
history of science.

"In 1S96, M. Henri Becquerel made
the discovery that the compounds of a
metal called uranium, emitted peculiar
rays, and the emission was spontaneous
and constant. That is, he discovered
that this matter has in itself its own light
and t-h^t this light was eternal. This fact
reversed all known principles of chemis-
try. These rays were given the name of
Becquerel rays, and the substances emit-
ting them were called radioactive.

"It was in studying the properties of

THE AMERICAN

X-RAY JOURNAL.

Devoted to Practical X Ray Work and Allied Arts and Sciences.

OL. 10. ST. LOUIS. APRIL. 1902. NO-

ioi8

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

the radioactive rays that the investiga-
tors ascertained in an ore, the ore of ox-
ide of uranium, the existence of three
substances. These substances were po-
lonium, which was found by M. and
Mme. Currie; the radium, which was
also discovered by them; and the actin-
ium, which was discovered by M. De-
bierne.

"These ores of uranium were secured
at the state works at Jachymov, in Bo-
hemia. Several thousand kilograms,
besides tedious, expensive and hard la-
bor, were required to obtain a few deci-
grams of the substances, which are now
astonishing the scientific world. They
partake at the same time of the proper-
ties of the cathodic and x-rays.

"These substances spontaneously gen-
erate electricity. In a laboratory of
physics they upset all the apparatus. If
the operator is saturated with their mys-
terious energies, he can not approach an
electrical appliance without upsetting it.
At a distance they produce a chemical
reaction. One of the most wonderful
results in connection with this is photo-
graphs as mentioned above. They are
spontaneously luminous without under-
going any transformation to a percep-
tible degree.

"The price of these substances, owing
to the difficulty of their production,
practically annihilates their industrial
value. But it is reasonable to suppose,
that later on they will be produced as
cheaply as aluminum, formerly so ex-
pensive and obtained so easily at small
cost.

"We can already perceive the appli-
cations that will be made of these sub-
stances. It will be possible to treat
wounds by the radioactive action of ra-
dium. The volts of radium may be used
one day to cure neuralgia through slow
emission of electricity.

"Anyone carrying in his pocket a few
grains of the substances would be able
to p produce, and with what ease, all

kinds of skiagraphs. With a sensitive
plate he would be at liberty to read
through solid bodies, as it has been
demonstrated that the rays can pene-
trate through several centimeters of
metal."

PART I. LESSON I.

Introduction — Apparatus for the
production and application of Roentgen or
X-Rays.

Roentgen ray or x-ray diagnosis are
the terms used to designate the methods
which are employed for detecting of
normal or abnormal conditions, disease
or injury in some part or any organ of
the human body; to observe during life
the anatomical changes which can be
recognized with the help of the x-ray
only, or with the employment of the
x-rays in connection with other methods
of eliciting the signs of disease, or
trauma. The proper significance of this
method is shown, not by theory, but
through clinical behavior and observa-
tion confirmed by the x-ray examination
in all those cases where skiagraphy
is possible. Inspection, Palpitation,
Mensuration, Percussion and Aus-
cultation, Blood count, Microscopi-
cal, Chemical and all modern methods
of diagnosis are sometimes only subsidi-
ary to these important findings of the
x-rays. But for a complete and accu-
rate exploration >ou must always em-
ploy all the different methods and mod-
ern means of diagnosis, to do your duty
toward the patient and the profession at
large.

The question of the value of the x rays
in diagnosis of certain lesions seems to
be settled; it is beyond the experimental
stage and has come to stay. I desire
to take this opportunity to urge the more
general use of x-ray examinations by
our profession and to repeat the warn-
ing again and again, that this branch
should and must remain in our hands
only, because there is a necessity of a
great deal of refinement in operating the

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

1019

x-ray, and its pictures, experience in ex-
amining, ability to read correctly the
varying shadows, as well as a good deal
of knowledge in anatomy, pathology,
and physic. There are so many new
"things", proprietary and otherwise,
added to the list of the surgeon of today,
that the individual can scarcely keep
posted on all of them, but he will with
great avidity appropriate those facts
which can be instantly transformed into
working force, and will always appreci-
ate the demand for the practical, the
utilizable, especially in the case of early
and proper diagnosis.

Pushing aside the theoretical discus-
sion and gain, from which is conspicu-
ously apparent, it is well to review the
results of actual , the good work only.
For good x-ray work, the first requisite
is an exciting apparatus, and it makes no
differ e nee if it is a coil or a static
machine of good make. We are after
the proper source of electricity, and
nothing more. The knowledge of our
apparatus, proper technique in each in-
dividual case, the knowledge of our
Crookes' tube, the management of the
same, the knowledge of the power of
our x-ray produced, the distance of the
tube from our object, the distance of the
anode plate from the photographic
plate specially prepared for the x-ray
manipulations, the dura'ion of exposure,
the relative position of the tube to the
object and the angle at which the picture
or skiagraph is taken, are the first main
rules in the photography of the invisible.

We have to know the capacity of our
apparatus or the length of the spark,
which may be produced. If a static
machine is employed in our x-ray work,
mark the number and diameter of re-
volving plates and their speed. If a coil
is used, look always after current em-
ployed, remembering the amperage of
the current passing to the tube. The
best tube is the one which is known to
you, and used every day, the one in

which you know the distance between
the anodal plate and the cathodal cup,
the one in which you know and have
learned to observe the quality of the
vacuum backed up by a certain length
of spark gap before radiance appears,
and know all other points of individual-
ity of the tube. Beside that, note the
character of the photographic plate,
when skiagraph should be made, the
number of coatings of film, sensitiveness,
the age of the plate and what support
and the number of intensifying screens
shall be used, if used at all. Also note
the particulars of development, the de-
veloper used and all steps concerning
printing, paper, etc. If we wish to
make correct diagnosis in suitable cases
for skiagraphy, and produce an accurate
picture of the status presens, we must
never be satisfied with one picture or
skiagraph of the injured part or the dis-
eased part examined, but make it also
our duty to compare the picture of the
diseased part with the normal one. We
have to work as rapidly as possible,
make short exposures and protect our
patients. We always have to keep the
obliqueness of the x-ray in mind, make
skiagraph as near life size as possible,
to get sharply defined outlines, remem-
bering that we are dealing with shadows
only, and use proper means of proof for
measurements and exactness of our
picture.

We will now briefly describe the dif-
ferent apparatus which may be employed
as aids in x-ray diagnosis, and give some
rules to guide us in their use.

APPARATUS REQUIRED.

The apparatus required for the pro-
duction and application of the Roent-
gen or the x-ray, consists of following
parts and accessories:

1. Source of electric current.

2. The Crooke s tube or the vacuum tube.

3. Induction coil or static machine with her

own current, with or without Tesla s trans-
former.

4. Fluoroscope, fluorescent screen, skiameter.

I 020

THE AMERICA X X-RA Y JOURNAL.

5. Interrupter, with speed indicator and spark

tester.
6 X-ray tube stand.
- Moveable bar with wire-holder.
S. Connecting wires.
9. The casket.

10. Special dry plates or films.

11. Intensifying screens.

12. The copying frame.

13. The operating table. (Measuring stand for

fluorometer).

14. Leaden box with diaphgrams for preclud-

ing the diffused rays.

The electric current may be generated
by primary or plunge batteries, storage
batteries or accumulator batteries, static
machines, or the charging may be done
by means of an electric light installa-
tion, thermo-piles, and constant, direct
or alternating current.

To enable the observer to see the
x-ray, it is necessary to employ a screen
of tungstate of calcium or barium-pla-
tino-cyanide, which is mounted in a
frame that can be stood on a table in the
dark room or in the shape of a hand flu-
oroscope, which is a hood fitting closely
to the face and excludes the outside
light.

A B C of X-Rays.

We have arranged for a series of ar-
ticles covering the entire teachings of
the uses of the x-rays. This will include
the physics of the apparatus, but more
particularly the A B C or primary in-
struction in diagnosing and the therapy
of radiant matter. The lessons will
probably be divided into 20 sections,
some of which will be liberally illus-
trated. No one interested in the x-rays
and its teachings can afford to miss
these lessons. They are unexcelled and
absolutely new.

The Illinois School of Electro-Thera-
peutics, of Chicago, is doing good and
faithful work and deserves the highest
commendation.

Subscribe for Thk American X-Ray
J <>i knai -53.00 a year.

The Value of the X-Ray as a
Therapeutic Agent.

Read before the Roentgen Society of America, at
University Building, Buffalo, N. Y., on
September 11, 1901,
BY PROF. H. P. PRATT, M. D., of Chicago

In the x-ray we have an agent whose
therapeutic value has been underes-
timated in certain cases and overesti-
mated in others. This is probably due
to the lack of sufficient knowledge on
the subject, especially as to the nature
and character of this force and its meth-
od of application. We must not be car-
ried away with the idea that it is a cure-
all; if so, we will certainly be disap-
pointed. But with a thorough knowl-
edge of the nature and effects of this
force, we may reasonably expect good
results. It has its field of work. A full
knowledge of this field can not be ac-
quired in a day, but only by months of
hard labor. Every day's work brings to
us added knowledge. The limit of its
healing powers time alone will decide.

This force has been applied with good
results in the following cutaneous and
other diseases: Hypertrichosis, sycosis,
favus, rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, lupus
vulgaris and erythematosus: also in
tuberculosis of the bones, joints and
softer tissues. In epitheleoma, car-
cinoma, sarcoma and osteosarcoma,
improvement, and in some instances,
cures have been reported. Most of the
above diseases have been reported
cured or much improved in the for
eign medical journals, by such men as
Schiff and Fruend, of Vienna; Kemmell
and Hahn, of Hamburg; Steinbeck,
Seyneira and many others.

Admitting that the x-ray is of some the-
rapeutic value, as we must in the face of
the above authorities, let us refer to his-
tory and note the progress made along
this line and the obstacles we have had
to contend with. We have in this coun-
try quite a number of investigators and
original experimentors, who are working

THE AMERICA X X-RA Y JOURXAL.

IQ2I

along the same lines as our foreign
friends. Such men as Jones, of San
Francisco; Knox, of Cincinnati; John-
son and Merrill; and in our own city
(Chicago i such men as Burdick, Black-
marr and Pusey. Our worthy presi-
dent, also our secretary, our treasurer
and other members of this society are
working alongthis line; and, in fact, each
city can make claim to individual work-
ers as well. The first investigators found
it a difficult task to overcome the vari-
ous obstacles that lay in their path;
the lack of a suitable apparatus, such
as coils, tubes, etc., and especially the
prejudices of the profession. With time
came a better apparatus, and the x-ray
burn, which being indisputable proof of
the power of the x-ray to do something,
called the attention of the profession to
its therapeutic value.

The first published account that I saw
of the x-ray burn came from Berlin by
cable, to the Xcw York Journal, July 23,
1896, as follows: "Dr. Markuse, whose
interior has been photographed thirty
times within the last twenty days by the
Roentgen process, has lost all of his hair
as a result, and his face has assumed a
brownish color. The skin has peeled
off his breast where the instrument had
touched it, and on his back, what was
first a sore, finally developed into a
bleeding wound, surrounded by burnt
looking cuticle. The victim is exhaust-
ed." My attention was first called to
the x-ray burn in April, 1896, when
Prof. YYightman and myself inoculated
Guinea pigs with the bacilli of tuber-
culosis and exposed them to the x-ray,
which tookthe hair off from the pigs
in patches, leaving a sore. This
state of affairs began to check pro-
gress for a while, preventing further in-
vestigation. Scientists were endeavor-
ing to determine the cause of these in-
jurious effects. It, however, took fur-
ther experiments out of hands of the
tyro and brought about a more careful

and systematic method of investigation.
More than one man has sacrificed his life
in the development of the x-ray. To my
knowledge there has been five or six
deaths.

I will now give a brief review of my
own work in this field. On the morning
of the seventh day of February, 1896, I
saw the first account of Prof. Roentgen's
work. Having been a student and teach-
er of physics and interested in college
work, I had in my experimental labora-
tory a Ruhmkorff coil, Crookes and
Geissler tubes, which had been in my
possession for a period of over 20 years,
used for experimental work, and I was
somewhat familiar with the cathode ray
and the changes in vacuum tubes. I had
observed similar phenomena, so I was
in a position to formulate a theory imme-
diately, which was published in all the
daily papers and in the electrical and
medical journals. I then followed up a
series of experiments to test the correct-
ness of my theory. In the first part of
April, 1896, with the kind assistance of
Prof. Hugo Wightman, I succeeded in
destroying the bacilli of eight different
diseases, in culture tubes, as follows:

The bacilli of Cholera,

" Diphtheria,

" Influenza,

" Glanders,

" Pneumonia,

" Typhoid,

" " " Tuberculosis,

" " " Anthrax.

An account of this was published in
the Chicago Times-Herald^ on April 13,
1896, and republished in other dailies,
and in electrical, scientific and medical
periodicals. Immediately after destroy-
ing the above cultures, thereby demon-
strating the therapeutic value of the ray,
I commenced to use it as a therapeutic
agent, and on April 13, 1896. the date
of the above announcement, I placed my
first cancer patient under treatment. A
report of this appeared in the Chicago
Timcs-Hcrald of April 14, 1896. The

1022

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

most notable effects observed at that
time were the relief of pain and the
checking of the hemorrhages. This was
a case of cancer of the stomach. On the
iSth day of April, 1896, assisted by Prof.
Wightman, I inoculated Guinea pigs
with the bacilli of tuberculosis and ex-
posed them to the x-ray with the
following result: — Those exposed to
the x-ray increased in weight and
thrived; the others died. On the sides
of the pigs nearest the tubes, as
I said before, all the hair came out,
leaving a running sore. This experi-
ment was repeated several months after-
ward.

Cable to the New York Journal:
"Lyons, June 25, 1896. — Prof. Lortet,
who has experimented on Guinea pigs,
says investigation proves that Roentgen
rays prevent the development of the ba-
cilli of tuberculosis."

On July 9, 1897, I exposed to the
x-ray, rabbits which had been inoculat-
ed with rabies by Dr. Lagorio, of Chi-
cago. Results unsatisfactory.

On April 17, 1896, I treated my first
patient suffering from pulmonary tuber-
culosis. This patient improved under
treatment. I, however, lost track of
this case and have been unable to ob-
tain a report before this meeting. On
April 19, 1896, I placed my second case
of pulmonary tuberculosis under treat-
ment. The patient died several weeks
afterward. He was too far gone and he
only continued his treatment about a
week and then left the city. This case
was placed under treatment in the inter-
est of the New York Journal, and re-
ports can be seen in that paper at the
time.

( )n May 20, 1 896, the third patient suf-
feiing from pulmonary tuberculosis, was
placed under treatment. This patient was
referred to me for treatment by Dr. Fran-
ces Dickinson and Dr. Effie Lobdell, of
Harvey Medical College. The patient
was examined by Dr. Wm. Harsha, Dr.

Geo. F. Hawley, Dr. J. C. Spray, Dr.
M. F. Sterling, Dr. J. E. Gilman and
others, of Chicago.

The following record of this case was
kept by Dr. M. F. Sterling:

Case: Andrew Gorgan was born near
Naples, Italy, in 1875 His parents
were vineyardists; both are living and
healthy. He has a brother of 17, who
is a strong and healthy boy. In 1886,
the family emigrated to America and set-
tled in Ohio. Near their home was a
large creek of very cold water, and An-
drew often stole away to bathe there with
the other boys, remaining in wet clothes
often for hours. He caught cold after
cold, and at last a nagging cough set in,
of which he could not get rid. Suddenly
hemorrhage set in, and for the first
time, his parents took alarm. Physi-
cians were summoned, but he never got
anything more than temporary relief.
Hemorrhages again and again recurred,
growth ceased at this point, appetite be-
came irregular and capricious, sleep
restless and unrefreshing, there was con-
stant fever and drenching night sweats.
The parents now determined to move to
Chicago, desiring to consult a wider
range of medical skill than the Ohio
town afforded. They arrived in the au-
tumn of 1895. He at once began attend-
ance at the clinics of the medical colleg-
es in rotation; as he found no improve-
ment in one he tried another. At last
his case was pronounced hopeless by
several specialists, and his father was
directed to use anything to make him
comfortable. Treatment was considered
useless, and so he was given up to die.
Early in 1896, the x-ray was a topic of
anxious investigation to us, as to wheth-
er it had therapeutic value or not, until
we placed tube culture of the bacillus tu-
berculosis under the ray and found that
no further propagation occurred afterex-
posure of two hours. This test was
made time after time with different cul-
tures, always with the same results.

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

1023

This discovery was given to the world,
and was received with much adverse
criticism, and even ridicule, by all class-
es of the profession. To the initiated,
the thoughtful and those who really de-
sired to see the demonstration of the
truth, every facility was given to verify
the statements made. After all doubt
was removed as to the cultures, the con-
servative criticism was advanced that,
although tube cultures were unable to
stand the x-ray, it might not be the same
with bacilli in the human lung tissue in
the living organism. It was thus that
this unquestioned case was submitted
for experiment. Before placing him un-
der the ray, his height was 4 feet 11^
inches, weight 74 pounds. The right
lung from apex to mammary region was
said to be one big abscess, discharging
pus in quantity. Appetite was gone,
digestion impaired, sleep restless and
unrefreshing until nearly morning, fever
constant, rising to 104 degrees. Hem-
orrhages recurred every four or six
weeks, amount varying from a few
mouthfuls to a breakfast cup full at each
discharge. Of the leading specialists
who passed upon him, the most hopeful
placed his longest possible limit of life
at about five weeks.

His x-ray treatment began May 20,
1896, at 1:15 p. m., and continued for
two hours at each seance. Before treat-
ment his temperature, pulse and respira-
tion were taken; temperature 103.5 de-
grees, pulse 100, respiration 34. At the
beginning of the second hour, tempera-
ture 102 degrees, pulse 120, respira-
tion 28. At the end of the second hour,
temperature 101.75 degrees; pulse 120;
respiration 22. Half an hour after the
treatment ended, temperature 101 de-
grees, pulse 100, respiration 20. At
the end of the first hour of treatment
Andrew was sleeping soundly.

May 23, temperature 99.5 degrees,
pulse 112, respiration 36. Second hour,
temperature 100.20 degrees, pulse 112,

respiration 30. Third hour, temperature
99 8 degrees, pulse 98, respiration 35.
The patient reports night sweats much
lessened, no return of hemorrhage,
which was threatening at last treatment.
Feels stronger and appetite is improved.

May 26, 1:30 p. m. ; temperature 99 .3
degrees, pulse no, respiration 28. Sec-
ond hour, temperature 100 degrees,
pulse 120, respiration 27. Third hour,
temperature 100 degrees, pulse 120, res-
piration 30.

May 28, 1:30 p. m.; temperature 98 2
degrees, pulse 90, respiration 18. Sec-
ond hour, temperature 98 5 degrees,
pulse 96, respiration 18 Third hour;
temperature 100 degrees, pulse 96, res-
piration 18

Cough much lessened in frequency;
yesterday only two paroxysms during
the day. Bowels regular, appetite vora-
cious, sleep restful and dreamless; awoke
only twice to cough and immediately
slept again. Sweating much less, but still
overnormal in amount.

June 9, 1:30 p. m. ; yesterday felt so
well that he attended an Italian wedding
in his church. Attended the supper at
night, overate and was taken to the drug
store to be treated for colic.

Has gained one pound in body weight.
Reports almost no cough during the day,
but several times during the night. Is
in fine spirits; begins" to walk about
freely. Urine excessive in quantity, has
been so since the first.

First hour, temperature 98.5 degrees,
pulse 100, respiration 20. Second hour,
temperature 98.5 degrees, pulse 100, res-
piration 28. Third hour, temperature
98.5 degrees, pulse 86, respiration 18.

The variation in pulse, respiration and
temperature, is dependent upon the
distance of the tube from the chest
wall and the strength of the current.
The closer the tube the stronger the
force, and hence, the more powerful the
electro-therapeutic action. A rise, there-
fore, of pulse and respiration always oc-

1024

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

curs under treatment, but this declines
abruptly about an hour later.

June 13. He has gained another
pound in body weight. Microscopic ex-
amination of the sputa shows marked
decrease in the number of bacilli. Urin-
alysis showed that although the urine
was in excess, the proportion of the sol-
ids was unchanged. He, today, walked
two miles without fatigue. Appetite
still in excess, digestion good; present
weight 78 pounds.

June 30. Yesterday he attended an
Italian picnic in Lincoln Park; sat on
the wet grass for several hours, caught
cold and all his symptoms showed acute
nephritis.

Now says he had acute inflammation
of the kidney four years ago, and for a
time this was a very bad complication.

Angust 6, 11:45 a. m. Temperature
99 degrees, pulse 92, respiration 14.
Second hour, temperature 99.5 degrees,
pulse 84, respiration 16. Third hour,
temperature 100 degrees, pulse 92, res-
piration 18.

Says he feels good, appetite and di-
gestion very good. Cough almost gone,
except in the morning a little. Urine
shows specific gravity 1014, reaction
neutral. Sediment normal, no sugar,
no blood, no albumen.

September 3, 1:30 p.m. Yesterday,
wrestled to try his strength, then ran to
a street corner and jumped on a street
car in motion and got a sudden wrench;
began to cough and brought up a small
quantity of blood. Greatly frightened,
but today no rise of temperature, pulse,
or respiration. On examination found
the blood came from the back of the
throat. Complains of the throat be-
ing sore on swallowing; says he has
eaten two pecks of peaches and one
large watermelon without asssistance
in two days. Complains of pain over
the kidneys recurring at intervals.
Small calculi voided with much pain.
Microscopic examination of sputa shows

only very few bacilli, in all not more
than four in six slides.

June 23, 1897. Andrew Gorgan is in
fair health. No fever or night sweats.
Good appetite, sound sleep, and can
walk for miles without great fatigue.
From the day he took his first treatment
he has never had the slightest hemor-
rhage from the lung; can take a deep
breath without coughing. He is now
simply weak and requires country air
and a change from his very unsanitary
surroundings.

This patient was in comparatively
good health until his death, which took
place July 9, 1900. Four months before
his death he was at my office feeling bet-
ter than he ever had. A few weeks later
he took a severe cold and had an attack
of pneumonia, which he partially recov-
ered from. He finally died after an op-
eration had been performed upon his
foot or leg, I don't remember which,
which resulted, as I understand, in blood
poisoning. He had suffered for three
or four years previously with stones
in the kidneys, and we were in hopes
that he would be able to be operated
on for them. This case was reported by
Dr. Finley Ellingwood, in the Chicago
Medical Times, July, 1896, and by
Dr. J. E. Gilman, before the Clinical
Society, of June, 1897, and published in
their official organ, The Clinic, July 15,
1897. From June 1, 1896, to March 1,
1901, I have treated for J. E. Gilman,
over 50 patients, suffering from tubercu-
losis, cancerous, asthmatic, rheumatic,
syphilitic and skin diseases, with the
x-ray. I refer you to him for data of
cases.

On June 8, 1896, Dr. John B. Murphy,
of Chicago, referred to me for treatment
a patient, suffering from lupus-vulgarus.
The treatment continued for about three
months, at which time the patient was
discharged cured. The patient came
to my office a year afterward feeling in
the best of health. There was no re-

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

1025

currence up to that time. She, howev-
ever, left the city and I have been un-
able to obtain a final report in time for
this paper.

On Oct. 21, 1896, Dr. Finley Elling-
wood referred to me a patient, suffering
from tuberculosis of the kidney. She
was discharged cured by the doctor in
about four months. The patient is still
alive, and as Dr. Ellingwood informed
me a few days ago, is enjoying the best
of health.

For the results of the other patients
treated by me for the various physicians,
I will refer you to them for full data.

The pioneer worker's path is not
strewn with roses. No sooner had we
announced the destruction of the bacilli
on April 13, 1896, and before the ink
was dry, a cable from London to the
New York Journal, dated April 14, 1896,
stated that Dr. T. Glover Lyon had just
tried similar experiments with negative
results, and that the statements made by
us, that we had accomplished it, were
false.

On April 15, 1896, a cablegram came
to the New York Journal, from Prof.
Roentgen, which is as follows:

"Your dispatch tells me diphtheria
was slain outright in the Chicago exper-
iments, while no final and positive ver-
dict is as yet given as to the effect on the
bacilli of cholera, pneumonia, typhoid,
and other plague germs tested. This is
astonishing and partly disappoints my
anticipation. I consider diphtheria and
cholera the most deadly of plagues and
believe positively that the bacilli of the
other scourges would be the least diffi-
cult to kill. But I am confident that
eventually the x-ray will prove an effect-
ual cure for all such diseases.

''I will rejoice when it will be in the
power of every competent physician to
kill those bacilli. Then once having
located them, the modus of annihilation
will be mere technicality.

"If Profs. Pratt and Wightman have

successfully completed their experi-
ments, their names should go down to
posterity as benefactors of the race, since
humanity is immeasurably benefited by
their work."

"What are your plans for the future?"
was the next question.

"You know," he said, "that my orig-
inal invention was accidental, but I am
now going home full of new ideas to fin-
ish every detail.

"It is possible that I will hit upon
the same modus of Profs. Pratt and
Wightman.

"I am fully prepared and will have
much better equipments to continue any
investigations, and I will do so on my
own lines, looking neither to the right
nor to the left.

"All professional men are heartily
welcome to my conclusions, though in
their struggle to obtain the best possi-
ble results, each must go his way."

In answer to the question whether he
had any conception of Prof. Pratt's
methods, Prof. Roentgen said:

"I would rather not guess at Prof.
Pratt's methods, but I am eagerly ex-
pecting further particulars, though as far
as my own studies are concerned, I do
not believe that they will be abrogated
or adversely influenced by them. Amer-
icans sometimes accomplish great things
in a hurry. We prefer to work more
slowly and with greater deliberation.
In conclusion let me repeat that I antic-
ipate the usefulness of the x-ray in the
cure of all manner of diseases from the
start."

In the above dispatch, Dr. Roentgen
also complimented me, thinking I was
his old friend, Prof. Pratt, of Johns
Hopkins University. After he discov-
ered his error, he kept quiet for a short
time until he had tried experiments on
the bacilli of diseases. Then he made
the statement that the x-ray was not a
therapeutic agent, as it had no effect
upon the tissues of the human body.

IO20

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

Just about this time Prof. Minck, of
Munich University, succeeded in par-
tially destroying the bacilli of typhoid
fever.

On April 1 6, 1896, the following cable
was received from Vienna: "The asser-
tions made by Chicago professors, to the
effect that they have established proof
that Roentgen rays will kill bacteria of
cholera and other diseases is regarded
here as worthless, and the alleged dis-
covery is absolutely false. Doctors of
Vienna and Munich have proved to the
contrary.

On April 27, 1896, Prof. Wm Schroe-
der, head of the electrical department
of the University of Missouri, and Prof.
Hickman, the bacteriologist, destroyed
the bacilli of diphtheria in culture tubes.
On August 1, 1896, they inoculated
Guinea pigs with bacilli of diphtheria.

Several theories have been advanced
to explain the nature and character of
the x-ray. The two principal ones of
today are the English and the German.
The former is that of irregular transverse
vibrations in the ether, the latter longi-
tudinal waves of Hertz. Neither of these
two theories seem to be quite satis-
factory.

It appears to me that if we consider
the x-ray as an electric current of very
high potential, which makes its circuit
from the inner surface of the tube out-
ward, perpendicularly to the surface,
then radiates in straight lines until the
potential falls, when the rays return to
complete their circuit by the terminals,
we have a simple and practically useful
explanation of all the phenomena.

After it was discovered that the x-ray
possessed the power of blistering and
burning the skin, the papers were filled
with various warnings. My business, as
well as that of others in this line, drop-
ped off. No one wanted an x-ray pic-
ture taken, much less treatment.

The following theory, suggested by
me, was published in the Times-Herald,

April 13, 1896, the date of the original
announcement, explaining the reason for
the destruction of the bacilli:

"The magnetic force from the x-ray
passes directly into the affected tissues.
Electrolysis results, the chemical de-
composition liberates oxygen, which
unites with the free oxygen of the body
and makes ozone. Ozone will kill ev-
ery bacterium the human body possesses.
The present state of the experiment
proves outright murder in some instan-
ces and inability to work in others.

"The effect in either case, is eventu-
ally the same to the patient. The tis-
sues in the latter instance gain new
strength and drive out bacilli."

Eight months after this there was pub-
lished in the daily papers, dated Dec.
6-7, 1896, the following article, defend-
ing the x-ray as a healing medium. I
quote this in full, as it shows the same
line of thought suggested in my original
announcement, and also helps you to
appreciate my position in the matter.

"Recently much has been published
about the injurious effects of the x-ray
upon the human body, such as its pro-
ducing abscesses, burning and blistering
of the skin, shedding the hair and finger
nails, etc. For the last eight months I
have had patients under the x-ray in my
laboratory from 9 a. m. to 6 p. m., du-
ration of treatment varying from a half
hour to four hours at each sitting, and
not once with any bad result in any case.

"After the Crookes tube is excited by
the coil, the magnetic lines of force are
projected down, in the same manner as
they pass off from a magnet, and trav-
ersing the intervening space, pass
through the body down to the floor, and
back to the coil and tube again, com-
pleting the circuit.

"The x-ray is electrostatic in charac-
ter and of a very high potential. With
every discharge from the Crookes tube
oxygen is liberated in the body as well
as in the surrounding atmosphere which,

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

1027

combining with the nascent oxygen,
forms ozone.

"It is due to the electrolysis produced
in the body that we are able to destroy
the bacilli in contagious diseases; ozone
being the most powerful germicide
known.

"Ihe ozone generated between the
tube and the body does not produce the
burning, etc., noted; it is the increased
current which, passing through the body,
produces electrolysis, the skin being of
a higher resistance than the rest of the
tissues.

"This same condition of burning takes
place under the galvanic and static cur-
rents if excessive use be made of them.
Except for potential alone, the two
forces are identical.

"In some of the Eastern states crim-
inals are electrocuted. Here electroly-
sis is carried to extreme, destroying the
whole body; but the product of partial
destruction exhibits abscesses, etc.

"In the disastrous treatments given
and reported, the unskilled operators
used a current in the apparatns of too
high tension, and instead of hastening
normal physiological change, carried
their treatment to a point of electrocu-
tion. Strychnine is a good drug when
used by a skillful physician, but a dan-
ger when in the hands of a tyro.

"It must not be forgotten that electric
phenomena are very powerful, and not
every man who can buy a machine is
capable of applying it. The electrical
machine must be as skillfully adjusted
to each individual as the microscope to
a specimen submitted to it. It is a treat-
ment full of danger if ignorantly or rash-
ly handled, but beyond price in value to
the skilled and careful electro-thera-
peutist."

We will now take up the subject of
x-ray tubes.

The hard and soft tubes are the same
as high and low vacuum tubes. The
x-rays are produced by the bombard-

ment of the molecules of residual gas
against the inner surface of the tube.
The number of molecules of residual gas
in the tube determines the degree of
vacuum, as to whether it is a hard or
soft tube.

The x-ray tube when excited, acts in
a similar manner to a condenser or
Leyden jar. It discharges in one direc-
tion, the outer surface of the tube be-
comes electro-positive, while the inner
surface is electro-negative.

The tubes, as a rule, are excited from
the terminals of the Ruhmkorff coil or
the static machine. The current is es-
tablished through the molecules of the
residual gas in the tube, thereby con-
necting the cathode with the anode.
Each oscillation in this circuit causes the
molecules of residual gas to bombard
the inner surface of the tube, which
point of impact is the source of the
x-ray.

When the tube is excited, some of the
molecules of the residual gas are thrown
from the cathode, striking the platinum
disk or anode, which serves as a target,
causing the molecules to rebound and
strike the inner surface of the tube. This
point of impact on the inner surface of
the tube, as I said before, is the source
of the x-ray. Every molecule of gas
striking the inner surface of the tube,
causes one or more lines of magnetic
force to be thrown out at right angles to
the surface of the tube. The distance
to which the lines of force are projected
or, in other words, the limit of the pen-
etrating power of the ray, depends en-
tirely on the potential of the tube, and
this in turn depends on the force of the
impact of the individual molecules of
residual gas. The higher the vacuum,
the less the number of molecules of
residual gas in the tube, the greater the
free path, the higher the potential, the
greater the penetrating power. The
lower the vacuum the greater the num-
ber of molecules, the less the free path,

I02S

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

the lower the potential, the less the pen-
etrating power.

All substances through which the
x-ray passes, form part of the x-ray
circuit.

The x-ray circuit is the same as any
other electrical circuit. It has its re-
turn forming an endless chain of mole-
cules arranged in series. The higher
the potential the greater the number of
molecules added to the chain, the longer
the chain; and vice versa.

The circuit is formed first from the
point of impact on the inner surface of
the tube, being directed outward until
the potential drops, then returning
to the tube through the terminals.

The x-ray is electro static in charac-
ter, an accumulation of lines of mag-
netic force of high potential and short
wave lengths in a circuit. They decom-
pose every substance capable of being
decomposed in their path and render
every substance over which they travel
a conductor of electricity.

The light which is emitted from the
tubes is the result of the decomposition
of the molecules in the atmosphere
around and inside of the tube This
light is not the x-ray current. The x-ray
force is purely electrical and is invisible.

The softer the tube (limited) the great-
er are the number of the lines of force
thrown out and the stronger the x-ray
current, which increases decomposition;
but the penetrative power is decreased.

The harder the tube the less the num-
ber of lines of force thrown out, and
consequently the weaker the x-ray cur-
rent and the less the decomposition, but
the greater the penetrating power.

F'or good therapeutic effects, use a
soft tube, increase or decrease the pri-
mary current to suit the case, but be
careful to avoid x-ray burns. The or-
dinary hard tube will not burn during
any reasonable time of exposure.

It has been my aim to establish the
proposition that this new force is simply

an agent or element for producing elec-
trolysis and to give a more comprehen-
sive idea of this force, I may restate my
hypothesis based on "electrolysis,"
which is the "disassociation of the ele-
ments of a compound by the aid of elec-
trical energy." When a direct current
is applied to the body, be it the gal-
vanic, the static or x-ray current, for the
x-ray current is as much a current as
the others, electrolysis ensues, produc-
ing a continual dissociation and asso-
ciation of the elements of the body as
long as the current is applied.

The stronger the current the greater
is the number of ions evolved, and vice
versa. Ions are the products of electro-
lysis. Those evolved at the anode or
positive pole, or on the surface of the
body nearest the tube, are termed anions,
and those evolved at the cathode or neg-
ative pole, on the opposite side of the
body, away from the tube, are termed
kations.

There are two distinct forms of reac-
tion produced, found in the polar and
interpolar regions. The polar region is
the region of the body that comes in
contact with the poles or electrodes, or
the surfaces of the body; the interpolar
region, the region between the poles, or
within the surfaces of the bod}7.

When the direct or x-ray current is ap-
plied to the body, immediately electro-
lysis takes place, driving all the electro-
positive elements or ions along the lines
of force away from the positive pole or
anode, or surface of the body nearest
the x-ray tube, to the cathode which is
on the opposite side of the body, and all
of the electro-negative elements or ions
away from the negative pole or cathode,
or opposite side of the body, to the anode
in the direction of the tube. In other
words, all of the electro-positive ele-
ments are repelled from the anode or
surface of the body nearest the tube,
but attracted to the cathode on the op-
posite side of the body away from the

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

1029

tube; and all the electro-negative ele-
ments are repelled from the cathode, or
the surface of the body on the opposite
side away from the tube, but attracted
to the anode or surface of the body near-
est the tube.

The sodium chlorid, formula Na CI,
and water, H2 O, the chlorin and the
oxygen being electro-negative, are re-
pelled from the negative side, but at-
tracted to the positive. The hydrogen
atoms of the solution being electro-pos-
itive are repelled from the positive side,
but attracted to the negative side of the
body. The accumulation of the ions at
the negative pole, side, or cathode,
called kations,have an alkaline reaction,
while anions are of acid reaction. The
two poles or surfaces are sometimes
known as the alkali and acid poles and
if the current is sufficiently strong to
produce vesication (which is the x-ray
burn) the effect of the local cautery at
the negative is similar to that of an al-
kali (caustic potash), and the one at the
anode similar to that of an acid (hy-
drochloric acid).

When an electrical current is applied
to the human body it renders every por-
tion of the body over which the lines of
force pass (in the interpolar regions)
aseptic. The current is antiseptic by
virtue of the generation of ozone in the
body, due to electrolysis. Ozone is one
of the most powerful germicides known,
and the integrity of the whole body is
due to its presence. (Ozone is of neu-
tral reaction). A sufficient amount of
ozone in the human system will destroy
all pathogenic microbes. In the polar
regions we have two forms of action,
which are purely local, having a varied
effect upon the pathogenic microbes.
We find forms of microbes that will
thrive in an acid medium, but will be
destroyed in an alkaline medium, and
vice versa. Any form of microbes that
can be destroyed by aid of an acid, can
be destroyed with the positive pole of a

galvanic battery; and those that are de-
stroyed by an alkali will succumb to the
negative pole. Remember that the acid
radicals accumulate at the positive side
(anode), and the alkaline radicals at the
negative side (cathode).

The physiological effects of the anode
and cathode on the tissues of the body
are diametrically opposite. For instance,
the ions found at the anode have an acid
reaction, those of the cathode are alka-
line. At the anode the circulation is
diminished, at the cathode it is in-
creased. At the anode the tissues are
dehydrated, at the cathode they are hy-
drated. At the poles albumen is coagu-
lated, at the cathode slightly, at the
anode to an extreme degree. In the
anode we have an acid cautery, in the
cathode an alkaline one. The acids ac-
cumulated at the anode will destroy a
large number of varieties of pathogenic
microbes, while the alkalies accumulat-
ed at the cathode will destroy the rest.
Andrew Gorgan was treated with the
x-rays current for about six months,
after which he remained in fairly good
health, with temperature, pulse, and res-
piration normal until about four months
before his death, which was due to py-
aemia, not tuberculosis. Just before
his death I was notified of his condition
and requested his family in event of his
demise to notify me immediately, so we
could hold a post mortem, to determine
if possible, the effect of the x-ray on the
lung tissue. As this was one of the first
patients treated with the x-ray, an au-
topsy would have been of great interest
and benefit to science. Owing to ex-
tremely rapid decomposition they were
forced to bury him immediately, thereby
preventing a post mortem.

Taking into consideration that one
lung was entirely gone before treatment
began and the other one was seriously
impaired, to stop the progress of the dis-
ease and to heal up the lungs at that
late date, was little short of a miracle,

1030

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

we had succeeded in keeping him alive
for over four years and he enjoyed reas-
onable health.

The therapeutic properties of the
x-ray may be summed up as follows:

The force from the x-ray tube is elec-
trostatic in character and of very high
potential, it acts on matter in the same
manner as any electro-motive force; that
is to say, it produces a dissociation of
molecules along its lines of force, which
is electrolysis, it may be used for cata-
phoresis.

The x-ray is a germicide through the
liberation of the ions (which is electro-
lysis) along its lines of force; collecting
in the polar region at the anode, anions
(of acid reaction); at the cathode, kations
(of alkaline reaction); in the interpolar
region, ozone (of neutral reaction).

The x-ray, through the liberation of
the ions, hastens physiological changes,
or metabolism, causing a temporary rise
in temperature and an increased elimin-
ation of waste products by the lungs,
skin and kidneys, at the same time in-
creasing the activity of the phagocytes.

The softer the x-ray tube (limited) the
stronger the current, and consequently,
the greater the electrolytic effect on the
tissue.

In treating cancerous, tuberculous
and other infectious diseases, more at-
tention should be paid to the degree of
vacuum in the tube, than to the appa-
ratus used in exciting the tube. The de-
gree of vacuum and the amount of cur-
rent necessary can only be determined
by actual experience coupled with a
thorough knowledge of ejectro-physics
and physiology.

For superficial and deep cancer, use
a low tube and vary the current accord-
ing to the depth of the lesion.

With reasonable care and proper in-
sulation the x-ray burn can be avoided.
The lower the tube the greater is the
danger of producing a burn, owing to
the increased number of lines of force

thrown off from the tube. The area of
the x-ray burn is limited, and it is not
dangerous except with excessive use.

All of the x-ray burns produced, so
far as I am able to learn, are due to the
lack of proper antiseptic measures.

The microbes and impurities in the
atmosphere are driven into the body,
where, after a period of incubation, they
set up a form of septicemia.

The x-ray tubes for therapeutic work,
should be much larger than any of the
tubes on the market. The average size
should be from 18 to 20 cm. in diam-
eter, or as large as the tube can be made
and properly exhausted. The larger the
tube the greater the number of lines of
force thrown off, the stronger the cur-
rent and the greater the electrolytic ef-
fect on the tissues.

Owing to the rapid discharge from the
x-ray tubes, the eyeball is placed on a
strain, especially if the fluoroscope is
being used in making examinations,
particles which are freed from the screen
during decomposition and are driven
along in the direction of the x-ray force,
striking the eye, setting up an acute con-
junctivitis, which seems to be one of the
detrimental troubles that x-ray opera-
tors have to contend with. It becomes
necessary to use a mild lotion in the eyes
almost daily to allay or prevent this
conjunctivitis. The remedy used must
be simple and of such a nature as not to
injure the eye in the least.

The preparation that I have used for
the last five years, and the only one that
has, so far, proved satisfactory in my
case, is a prescription written by one of
our local celebrities. I have forgotten
the formula, but it is marketed under
the name of "Murine."

One of the strongest proofs that the
x-ray circuit is an electrical circuit, is
that a picture can be taken of an object
on the back of a photographic plate,
away from the tube, showing a return
of the lines of force.

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

1031

As a preventative of x-ray burns, a
screen must be used; a sheet of steel or
of lead, arranged with a window cut into
it about 14 inches square. On the side of
the window nearest the tube, a celluloid
screen of % of an inch in thickness is
placed. This is to prevent the microbes
and particles of dust being driven into
the body, and at the same time allows
the x-ray to pass through without much
interference, as it offers but a slight re-
sistance to the ray. Back of the cel-
luloid screen, away from the tube, I
have shutters made of steel with open-
ings in their centers, varying from one
inch to 12 inches in diameter. These
shutters are interchangeable. I use an-
other screen made of lead-foil, which is
arranged in close contact with the body,
with holes cut into it the size and shape
of the part that is being exposed to the
ray. The patient is placed four to five
inches from the tube. The celluloid,
steel and lead plates are between the pa-
tient and the tube. Then the tube is
crowded by increasing and decreasing
the current, as required for the part of
the body being submitted to the treat-
ment. A low vacuum tube or soft tube,
as it is sometimes called, should be used
in treating all cases.

In treating lupus, increase the current
until, as shown by the fluoroscope, a
faint outline of the bones of the hand is
seen.

In treating deep or internal cancer or
tuberculosis, increase the current until
the bones of the whole skeleton are vis-
ible. The length of time of exposure
depends entirely upon the susceptibility
of the patient to electrical influence.

At the last meeting of the Chicago
Electro-Medical Society the Research
Committee made a preliminary report
on Priority in X-Ray Therapeutics,
showing that the first successful attempt
to destroy bacteria by means of x-rays
was made by Drs. Pratt and Wightman,

of Chicago, in April, 1896. Dr. Pratt
also preceded by a few days Drs. Lortet
and Genoud in the successful treatment
of Guinea pigs after inoculation with the
bacilli of tuberculosis, and was the first
to apply the new radiations to the treat-
ment of both cancer and tuberculosis in
the human subject.

The final report of the committee, giv-
ing a summary of the work done in x-ray
therapeutics during the year 1896, will
be presented at the next meeting of the
society. T. P. Hall,

March 7, 1902. Secretary.

The Chicago Medical Times, July, 1896,
gives an account of Dr. Pratt's experi-
ments with tuberculosis patients. — Ed.

Tube and Exposure.

Dr. J. P. Hetherington, of Logans-
port, Ind., in writing to us, concludes
his letter:

"It seems to me such a mistake for
writers to state they have taken a radio-
graph in so many minutes. In nearly
all illustrations, the only record of de-
tails given, is 'exposure (so many) min-
utes.' Such a record is no assistance or
information for any one. We might as
well prescribe a certain dose of medicine
for all — babies or adults — without refer-
ence to conditions or desired results.
The only way a radiograph can be use-
ful to others — aside from a mere illus-
tration— is to give all important details;
and I believe you would add to science
and the interest of your readers if you
would require: Static machine or coil;
make or form of tube; tube hard, me-
dium or soft; make or brand of plate;
length of exposure, and developer. I
keep such a record of every plate I make
and it is a wonderful assistance to look
over the plates and observe where the
results come from. It goes without say-
ing that each tube is always worked with
a strength of current that will develop
its best radiance. I do not believe we
will approach a standard any other way.

1032

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

The length of exposure depends upon
conditions which, if not given, ren-
ders the illustration scientifically use-
less. I do not believe my German
30-centimeter tube of low vacuum would
make a radiograph in 5 hours that my
high vacuum Wehnelt will make in 5
minutes or less on my 18 inch coil.

"How interesting and instructive it
would be if each of us would take our
favorite 'crack' tube to the next meeting
of the Roentgen Society in Chicago, for
comparison. Less than ten days after
Dr. Price exhibited his voltohm and de-
fended its merits in Buffalo, I could not
find a voltohm for sale anywhere.
"Yours sincerely,

J. P. Hetherington."

Roentgen Rays in Medicine
and Surgery.

This book disappoints the x-ray
worker. It is a nicely bound work,
but the lasting impression it fur-
nishes is its advertising a particular
make of a machine. The book has the
strong ear marks of Mr. Rollins, whose
technical versatility has been much read
and much admired. We regret exceed-
ingly the book leans so much upon one
side — forgetting the real essentials. Mr.
Hinze is an admirable young man and
a hard worker. He deserves encourage-
ment. In fact, all parties concerned in
the making of the book, deserve the
best. This is about the sense of the de-
scription of the book that comes to us.
One writer says: "I have seen Dr.
Williams' book. It is a good, illus-
trated work, but not for the practitioner.
The latest technique is forgotten alto-
gether. There is nothing there about
the method of skiagraphing the internal
structures of bones; nothing about the
beautiful skiagraphing of the chest by
Dr. Donath, or internal organs on the
under-exposed plate with the intensify-
ing screen and the lead box and nothing
about the latest method of localization

with fluroscope, made stereoscopic or flu-
orometric conveniences. None of these
are found, though known more than two
years to the members of the Roentgen
Society of America."

Radiant Ore in United States.

The following letter will explain itself
and is a valuable contribution to the
literature of the subject. Ed.

Telluride, Col., Dec. 1, 1901.
Dr. Heber Robarts,

St Louis, Mo.

Dear Sir: — I received a few days ago,
the Nov. number of The X-Ray Jour-
nal, with a red cross in one corner, and
so I hasten to send you the necessary
$3 for another year's subscription.

While I am not at present engaged in
radiography nor electrical work, yet I
never miss reading every line of your
valuable Journal, expecting to take up
the work again before many months.

I send you in this letter a rather poor
print from a negative made with a piece
of uranium ore, which is found plenti-
fully a few miles from here. This min-
eral is "Carnotite," or a uranyl-vana-
date; U2 O3, V2 O3, and is a sandstone
impregnated with the oxides. The min-
eral also contains radium, polonium
and zirconium.

Under separate cover I will send you
a small sample of this mineral and also
a piece of "Rocoelite," a sandstone con-
taining V2 O3, (about 3 per cent).

These two minerals are both impreg-
nations of the same sandstone forma-
tion, sometimes as separate layers and
often intermixed.

The gircon crystals are easily collected
in the residue after treating with hydro-
fluric acid.

Hoping these will be of some interest
to you, I remain Yours respectfully,

Orr Adams.

Subscribe for The American X-Ray
Journal — $3.00 a year.

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

1033

College Station, Tex., Dec. 30, 1901.
Dr. Heber Robarts,

St. Louis, Mo.

Dear Sir. — Please send The American
X-Ray Journal for two years, begin-
ning with the number for January, 1902,
to the Department of Physics, A. & M.,
College Station, Texas.

Please send me back numbers (one
each) of Vol. 1, No. 1; Vol. 1, No. 4;
Vol. 2, No. 2; Vol. 3, No. 2; Vol. 4,
No. 3; Vol. 4, No. 5; Vol. 5, No. 2;
Vol. 7, No. 4. If there are any of these
which you can't supply, please include
them in the ad below.

Please insert the following ad. in the
next two numbers:

"Wanted. — Back numbers of The
American X-Ray Journal, Vol. 1, No. 3;
Vol. 5, No. 5; Vol. 6, Nos. 1-3-4-5-6;
Vol. 7, No. 6. Send postal to D. W.
Spence, Prof. Physics, A. & M. College
of Texas, College Station, Texas."

Please send me duplicate bills for all
of above made out against Dept. of
Physics, A. & M. College of Texas, and
oblige, Yours Truly,

D. W. Spence.

[We regret our inability to supply the
missing numbers of the American X-Ray
Journal Prof. Spence needs for the Li-
brary of the State University. Readers
who can spare such numbers or have
duplicates will kindly write to the Pro-
fessor. Ed ]

Battle Creek, Mich., July 21, 1901.
Dr. Heber Robarts, St. Louis, Mo.

Dear Doctor: — I have been a reader
of the X-Ray Journal since Vol 1 and
No. 1, and a worker in x-ray work for
the Battle Creek Sanitarium, since its
first advent in '96, and am interested in
all that pertains to it. On page 934,
July number, you show a plate for a
static machine made in two pieces. I
wish to say that in one of my visits to
Dr. Younghusband (now deceased), of
Detroit, Mich., he showed me one of his

machines that he had made with plates
the same as the illustration in your X-
Ray Journal, produced by Dr. J. M. G.
Beard, only his plate did not narrow up
at the bottom, but was made with a
straight base. When I first saw it, it
was in the year 1894, but on my next
visit to the doctor, he had disposed of
the machine and I gathered the idea
that the divided plate impaired the out-
put of the machine. I write this for
your benefit and others you may desire
to call the attention to.

Fraternally, H. A. Dow.

Perry, Iowa, December 10, 1901.
Editor X-Ray Journal:

A new motor desired to run a Static
or x-ray apparatus. Will some genius
invent a contrivance for driving a static
machine, that you can wind up like a
clock or a peanut roaster and run long
enough to give a good static seance of
half an hour's duration. Bring out an
inventor. How many feet of wire rope
and what weight would it require to a
shaft and gearing, to run a static
machine for thirty minutes, 250 revolu-
tions per minute?

Up here, and in many places, there is
no electric service or water pres-
sure; hence an electric or water motor
are out of the question, and a noisy gas-
oline engine is too high priced.

Please reply in next issue.

When your usually well behaved sta-
tic machine goes on a strike and changes
polarity while in motion, either when
giving an insulation or while doing the
invisible, it is owing to its warning
you to cleanse the glass disks with a
clean, dry, woolen cloth, scour the brass-
work combs and brush-rods, axle but-
tons, etc., with strong aqua ammonia
and whiting. This will remove grease
and gum coating that comes from using
calcium chloride (fused), sulphuric acid,
etc. Also removes the corrosion from
ozone, and your machine will work as

i°34

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

good as a new one and spark equal to a
buxom widow in the dark and pick up
its charge as expeditiously as the lady
would a kiss. Electrically thine,

Dr. Johnson.

ioi Newhall Street.
Birmingham, England, August 12, 1901.
Heber Robarts, Esq. M. D.

Dear Sir: — I have long intended to
write to you but since my return from
South Africa, I have had so much to do
that my time has been fully occupied.
I am now engaged in writing a book on
the x-rays, and should very much like
to have a complete set of your journals
from the first. Can you let me have
them? I have only seen my last article
since my return, and am very pleased
with the way in which it was produced.
I am herewith sending you a copy of a
paper I read a few days since; it has not
yet been published in England. You
can do what you like with it. I have
any amount of material for papers, but
I am afraid that I shall have little time
at present to send you anything. I,
however, shall not forget you when the
time comes. Hoping that you are well,
with kind regards. Yours truly,

J. Hall Edwards.

Protection for X-Ray Workers' Hands.

ByG. E. Pfahler, M. D., Assistant Chief Resident
Physician and Skiagrapher to the
Philadelphia Hospital.

Nearly every one who makes frequent fluorosco-
pic examinations or demonstrations with x-rays,
suffers more or less from a dermatitis of the hands.
This effect varies from a mere hyperaemia or
pigmentation to fissures and ulcerations, followed
by contractures. Some men are compelled to
abandon the work entirely, while others continue
to make themselves martyrs to the medical pro-
fession. This part of our work is not taken into
consideration in the compensation for our labors.
Therefore it behooves us to take every possible
precaution for its prevention, and especially those
of us who engage in general medical or surgical
work, as it unfits us for our regular duties.

For this purpose I have had constructed a pair
of mittens covered upon the backs with lead-foil.
The mittens were made of chamois skin, though
almost any substance will do. They should be

made to fit loosely. For the lead-foil I used
heavy tea-foil or lead. Adhesive plaster was
placed over the top of the lead and the edges
sewed to the mittens to hold it in place. All the
ordinary manipulations neccessary can be made
with these mittens.

The irritations of the developing solutions may
be prevented by the use of rubber gloves. Since
I have taken these precautions my hands are im-
proving and I trust that this suggestion may be
of value to others.

Multiple Use of Static Ma-
chine While Running.

Dr. W. B. Clark, of New Albany,
Ind., has recently written to us of the
use he makes of the static machine. In
order that time and expense may be
saved, he runs an insulated wire to ad-
jacent rooms from his machine and op-
erates Crooke's tubes and treats patients
at other points all at the same time.
He does not claim originality — save for
himself — has not heard of others using
the machine in this way.

Have TTo-UL Got It©

Not $300, not S200, not $150 for an 8-plate, but

$125.00 CASH,

for a High Grade Perfection

16 -PLATE 5 S*T MACHINE.

Western Surgical Instrument House,

647-653 W. 59th St., Chicago, III.

THE AMERICAN

X-Ray Journal

Devoted to Practical X-Ray Work and Allied Arts and Sciences.

PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY THE AMERICAN X-RAY PUBLISHING COMPANY
CHARLES P. RENNER, M. D.. M. E., Editor.

SUBSCRIPTION RATE%-IN ADVANCE.

United states, Canada and Mexico $3.00 | Foreign Countries $4.ot>

Single Copies 25 | Single Copies 35

Editorial matter should be addressed to Dr. Charles P. Renner, Editor, Suite 301 Chemical P.ldg.. St. Louis.

All business matter should he addressed to the American X-Ray Journal Publishing Co.. same address.

All contributors of original articles and other matter relative to X- Radiance, of interest to the medical profes-
sion, are solicited from all parts of the world. Contributors will be furnished a liberal number of extra copies of
the Joi rnal containing their articles.

Translation of articles written in German, French and Spanish is made by Frank Ping, M. D., fill Chemical
Building, st. Louis, Mo.

Entered at the Postdffice at st. Louis, Mo., as Second -Class Matter.

VOL. 10. ST. LOUIS, MAY, 1902. No. 2.

CONTENTS VOL. 10, NO. 1.

The Practical X-Ray Diagnosis.
A B C of X-Ray.

The value of the X-Ray as a Therapeu-
tic Agent.
Tube and Exposure.

Roentgen Rays in Medicine and Surgery^
Radiant Ore in the United States.
Letter from D. W. Spence.
Letter from H. A. Dow.
Letter from J. Hall Edwards.
Protection for X-Ray Workers' Han< s.
Multiple use of Static Machine while
Running.

CONTENTS VOL. 10, NO. 2. .

Practical X-Ray Diagnosis.

Dr. Monell's Latest Book.

Priority in X-Ray Therapeutics.

Pus Foci in Bone.

The New Static Machine for 1902.

X-Ray Burns.

How Errors Are Made in Radiography.
Injurious Forces From X-Ray Tubes.

ULB» u:r w yin
COLLEGE CF MY5ICIAJ

OFPHILADHLFWA

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

The eleetrograph herewith shows the con-
dition of a patient eighteen months after
the disease began. A full conception of
the depth can not be had from the picture
because at the time the picture was taken
the ulcerous excavation was packed with
gauze. The flesh had sloughed from the
side and back and to within three inches of
the spine. The axilla wTas undermined al-
most to the glenoid cavity. The breast that
had not fallen off was hard and insensative.
It was crusty and had the appearance of dry
gangrene. Ulcerous nodules abound over

and tube was used exposing the affected
parts, ten minutes each, thirty minutes in
all, the first sitting. The tube was a Ger-
man make adjusted to give visual radiation
of the carpus two feet, the patient one foot
from the tube. The patient immediately
improved physically. With a few excep-
tions the treatments were daily till the
twentieth exposure when she wTas suddenly
attacked with hypostatic pneumonia and
died on the twenty-ninth day afterthe first
treatment. The wound had wholly ceased
to slough, odor had long since ceased, pain

the chest and back while the base of the
vast area that had sloughed away was pale
and smooth. The patient was carried to
Dr. Robarts' office almost moribund. She
was too weak to talk. Her pulse was too
Frequent and weak and irregular to count.
Of course the case had been abandoned as
inoperable. An optomistic uncle insisted
that she be treated so long as she lived.
No surgery had ever been done. Great
masses of dead flesh were adherent to the
edges of the ulcer. The discharge was
profuse and the odor most foul. The coil

was gone, the wound was healing at many
places about the edges: at one place it had
filled in nearl3T one inch. Her sleep,
strength, appetite and appearance had
greatly improved.

The picture was taken two weeks before
death and is reproduced to show how a
body can compensate and live with so ex-
tensive decaying tissue; and also to show
that notwithstanding the nearness to death
the x-rays gave demonstrated hope when
all other procedures known to man had
failed.

THE AMERICAN

X-RAY JOURNAL.

Devoted to Practical X-Ray Work and Allied Arts and Sciences.

VOL. 10. ST. LOUIS, MAY. 1902. No. .

The Practical X-Ray Diag-
nosis.

Prepared by J. Rndis-Jicinsky, A. M.. M. I).. M. E.,
Cedar Rapids, la. Revised by M. U. Dr.
Joseph Hoffman. Vienna, Austria.
A series of A. P». C. teaching for workers in x-ray
diagnosis and therapeutics, to be concluded in '20
articles. Fully illustrated.

Description of Parts. Source of
Electric Current.

LESSON II.

We know that an electric current is
a source of energy — that is to say, it is
capable of doing work. This is clear
from its power of evolving heat, one
form of energy. But the electrical en-
ergy may be transformed directly into
mechanical work, and from there, ac-
cording to the principle of conservation
of energy, when we keep up a constant
supply of the same, into the unknown
ray so convenient in our diagnosis. The
simplest way of considering the different
sources of electricity will be to divide
the first into two main divisions, accord,
ing to the kind of energy which is
employed to maintain the current. These
two kinds of energy are : 1. Mechanical
Work ; '2. Energy of Chemical Action.

Electrical Measurement.

The successful operator in radiology
requires to know not only whether a
current will be produced under certain
circumstances, so that he may be able to
determine the conditions most favorable

to its production, but he has to remem-
ber also, the electric quantity conveyed
in one second by his current of unit
strength. These units are based on the
centimetre as measure of length, the
gramme as a measure of mass, and the
second as a measure of time. The prac-
tical unit of electric current is defined as
one-tenth of the centimetre, gramme
second unit of the current, and is called
an Ampere after the great French elec-
trician of that name. The unit of electro-
motive force is called a Volt, after Volta,
and is taken to be a hundred million C.
G. vS. units. The unit of resistance,
which is called the Ohm. is then defined
as the resistance of a conductor through
which an electro-motive force of one
Volt will produce a current of one Am-
pere. The unit of power employed is
defined electrically as the power de-
veloped in a circuit traversed by a cur-
rent of one Ampere with a potential
difference at its terminals of one Volt.
This unit is called Watt.

As has been previously stated, various
methods of generating the electric cur-
rent for the production of the x-rays
may be employed, namely : Primary
Batteries, Plunge Batteries, or Accumu-
lator Batteries. Static Machines, or the
charging may be done by means of an
Electric light Installation, Thermo-pils
and Constant, Direct or Alternating
Current, each working equally satisfac-
torily, but requiring more or less different
accessory apparatus to add to their gen-
eral efficiency. The least expensive
form in end for the general practitioner.

1036

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

1 think, is to employ a good Static Ma-
chine, which may be used for both
purposes, the Electro-Therapeutics and
Radiology, or if we use the induction
coil, the Primary Batteries, and any
good set of cells giving the voltage re-
quired to operate the coil, will answer.
Either, if properly constructed and in
the hands of a competent manipulator,
will do the x-ray work.

The average voltage required by 8 to
10-inch coil is about 10.(5 volts, repre-
sented by twelve cells of Edison Laland
Battery Type S. With these cells, the
outfit consists simply of the vacuum
tube, coil, fluoroscope or screen, and
batteries, the electro-motive force of the
cells making it safe to use the vibrator
of the coil without injury to the same,

while the single condenser in the base
oi the coil lias sufficient micro-farad
capacity l<> give a good fluorescence.
Better and more- steady discharge is ob-
' lined by the employment of an addi-
tional adjustable multiple condenser of at

leasl 2.5 micro-farads. For a coil giving
L2-inch spark we have to have twelve
Edi -oil Laland cells. Where there is no

other source of electricity at disposal,
recourse to such a battery can be taken.
It has, however, the inconvenience of
requiring frequent replenishing of the
cells.

If no lighting circuit is to hand,
accumulators or storage cells are recom-
mended as being a useful and sure source
of current. For the same results as
above we use six storage cells, giving
twelve volts. The difference between
the two types of batteries is that the
storage cells can be kept operative by
being recharged at stated periods at any
electric light station, while in the pri-
mary cells, the entire elements are con-
sumed and have to be replaced. In
making these statements, high speed in-
terruptions are contemplated, and we
employ a make and break wheel op-
erated by a motor, which takes the place
of the vibrator on the coil. Two addi-
tional storage cells are required to oper-
ate the motor.

If a lighting circuit is at disposal,
which supplies continuous current, it
will be very convenient to utilize this
source of electricity for working the
induction coil, or with the help of motor
and a good rheostat a Static machine
may be manipulated with good results.
When making use of the constant incan-
descent current, it is only necessary to
employ a shunt board to reduce the cur-
rent to the required voltage, This will
operate the coil in the same manner as
the batteries, but the source of current
being inexhaustible, it is, of course,
preferable. At the same time a pro-

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

1037

portionately better result is again ob-
tained by the make and break wheel
or interrupter, the motor of which can
also be operated by the current. In this
case the necessary resistances for regula-
ting the strength of current must be
interposed in the circuit. The current
of the apparatus should be directly
branched off from the main circuit and
be provided with needful safety-fuses.
The resistances are arranged so that a
fixed resistance remains constantly inter-
posed, and second resistance is adjustable
for regulating the tension at pleasure.
Now for instance, if we use the one

in a disk, and the discharge from the
two terminals is vastly different from
the discharge of the Rumkorff coil or
Tesla's transformer. Such apparatus is
not only portable, but can be attached
to any lamp socket, either in the physi-
cian's office, the ward of a hospital, or
carried in a buggy, and attached to the
alternating current socket in the pa-
tients' room, but if necessary, a storage
battery may be employed. The alterna-
ting current can also be used in con-
nection with a Static machine and a
motor, but in such cases the direct cur-
rent ^ives more satisfaction.

hundred ten V. current from street cir-
cuit, the control of the voltage may be
done by the interposed ten or more
thirty-two candle power incandescent
lamps, placed in series, reinforced by a
sliding Rheostat. This gives ample
power, and prevents a side variation.

If our lighting circuit supplies an
alternating current, the use of a new
coil consisting of two separate seconda-
ries with their primaries connected in
series, is recommended. Each such sec-
ondary must have a high and low poten-
tial terminal, due to position and method
of winding. The secondary is wound

Static Machine.

LESSON III.
Although the discovery of static elec-
tricitv was made by Guericke in 1671,
and the treatment with static electricity
recorded in 1750 and brought to America
in 1752 by Franklin, more than two cen-
turies ago, yet, it appears to have shared
the common fate of most discoveries
made before their time, and to have in
main been forgotten. It has always
been considered natural that electricity
has some influence in some diseased con-
dition, but a complete cure of some

L038

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

cases by static electricity has generally
been looked upon as an absurdity. Vet,
the adage, natura noil agit saltatim, has
its application even here. For it is the
scientist rather than Nature, who has
drawn hard and fast lines everywhere —
who marks out abrupt boundaries where
she herself shades off with gradations.
The static electricity has weathered
many storms of adverse criticism, but
with the remarkable discovery of Prof.
Wm. Conrad Roentgen, it was found,
that unlike other apparatus for x-ray
generation which possess but single
utility, the main representative of static
electricity, the influence machine, is a
commodity of the utmost therapeutic

glass disks arranged with rubbers, collec-
tors and inducing strips ; they may be
strictly frictional or"influence"machines.
The charges produced reside only on the
surfaces of the bodies charged, and
two mutual and equal phases of ex-
citement are developed, the positive and
negative charges with affinity for each
other, neutralizing both. If the charge
is great enough, the positive and nega-
tive surfaces need not be in actual con-
tact, and we get a good spark for our
x-ray work. It is necessary to find out
first which is the positive and the nega-
tive prime conductor on our machine.
The conductors are then connected with
small condensers, known as " Leyden

value. A Static Machine may be util-
ized as an instrument that combines
treatment with diagnosis, capable of
accomplishing good work in the x-ray
field, and exercising a power to produce
a thoroughly efficient form of medica-
tion in Electrology and Radiology both.
The Static Machine is a very simple,
safe and most convenient method of pro-
ducing x-rays, especially in the office
of the busy practitioner, and being inde-
pendent of an electric circuit from the
street, and generating its own electric
source, it can be operated very easily in
any locality, and is always ready for in-
stant use.

In the Static Machines, powerful
charges are produced by the revolution of

Jars," the size of these jars to be selected
in accordance with the degree of vacuum
of our Crooks tube. The connecting
wires resting on some wooden support,
stand, have to be covered with rubber tub-
ing and go to the cathode and anode of
our Crooks tube, having for the success-
ful excitation of the same as a key, the
spark-gap between the discharging rods
of the machine, when starting. The
length of spark depends altogether upon
the size of our tk Leyden Jars," the vac-
uum in the Crooks tube or the interrup-
ter used on the discharging rods.
Experience will teach us to regulate the
length of a spark necessary for good
( ffects. The jars may he omitted on
account of a possible explosion, but

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

1039

their action as condensers, if carefully
manipulated, increase our volume of
electricity, and give us more steady radi-
ance. In my laboratory I have used,
with comparatively good results, to
bring my ten-plate Static Machine in
proper motion, the direct current with
one-fourth h. p. motor and rheostat with
eight buttons.

The glass plates must always be turned
to the left, looking at the machine from
the front, and the revolutions may vary
from 300 to 350 and more in x-ray
work. To charge the machine we have to
place the discharge rods about half an
inch apart. The small arm on the front
right-hand end of the case, if there is
separate charger, should be turned down
and the small chain attached to this arm
should be hooked over the left-hand
pole-pieee, so as to connect the small
plates with the large plates ; then start
the small plates or Wimhurst machine,
by turning the small handle to the right,
making several revolutions, until the
maximum spark is obtained; then stop
the Wimhurst and immediately start the
large plates by turning the driving
wheel with or without the motor, to the
left. The chain is then unhooked and
the arm turned up. This explains one
method of charging, but every make of
machine has its own special device to do
the same thing. Separate the discharge
rods about an inch, and when machine
is in action it will be seen that the cur-
rent given off the positive pole is whiter
in appearance, and has longer, straight

handle to the spark produced. The dis-
charge rods should be separated the full
distance between the pole-pieces if nec-
essary. The smallest jars will give the
finest current ; the medium jars have to
touch the bottom of the same, and the
connections must be properly made.
Ordinarily, the machine should be let
alone and the case never opened, except
when necessary to adjust a plate or comb,

or to oil the shaft of the Wimshurst.
When difficulty may be experienced in
charging the machine, we may use, in
humid weather, Calcium Chloride —
about ten pounds, distributed in dishes
in the four corners of the case — but
never allow the Calcium to become fluid,
and be careful not to use Chloride of
Lime. The case must always be tightly
sealed. If a motor is to be used for
power, move the pulley nearer to the

L040

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

end of the shaft, so that the belt will
clear t he case, and run the belt direct to
the motor, which is usually placed on
the floor or a shelf made for the pur-
pose. A good Static machine of mod-
ern construction, if properly groomed
and kept in order, will excite a tube
equal to t lie requirements of general
practitioners, and its usefulness, thera-
peutically, adds additional value. We
have found that 10 10 plates will gener-
ate a sufficiency for all therapeutic and

tions which the term implies. By re-
peating experiments, research, facts,
experiences, better apparatus and better
technique, we are now able to photo-
graph not only the shadow of the bones,
but the substance of the same, and do
work that is much more successful.

There has been much written about
the fallacies of the x-ray, tending to
push aside this new method of diagnosis.
But how about microscope, ophthalmo-
scope, or any other delicate instrument?

x-ray purposes.

In the laboratory of
the expert x-ray worker,
we will find the coil,

■ I just as well as the Static

■ I machine. but at the
p resen 1 time, there are
but three forms of appa-
ratus from which to
choose viz : t he Rum-
korff or simple form of
inducl ion coil, the Tesla

or high induction coil, and portable;
and i he Stai ic machine.

Vet") early in the history of the x-ray
n was found thai we have to deal only
with the shadows, wilh all the iimita-

You have to look until you see some-
thing; and in fact, to the unpracticed
eye, the microscope or opthalmoscope is

much more liable to lead one astray than
the vers simple application of the x-ray.
To practice medicine, we have to study;

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

1041

to manage an individual case of typhoid,
we have to read ; to operate in a difficult
case, we have to look up our authorities,
etc., and to manage the new means of
diagnosis, the x-ray, we have to study
just as well.

It is very simple, indeed, to get hold
of the handle or switch and produce the
x-ray with the help of the coil or the
vStatic machine, but it is really very
difficult to manage the same and to
know what to do in some cases, when
the fundamental laws and principles of
Electrology and Radiology are not
understood. And let us state right here,
that such and similar nonchalance was
the main cause of misrepresentations
and many mistakes in the beginning of
x-ray phenomena, attributed falsely
to the x-ray. instead of the operator
himself.

A BOOK.

At last a book has been made for
the benefit of x-ray workers. The
title of the book is "A Pictorial
System of Instruction." The vol-
ume is clcissed into six grand divi-
sions : X-Rav Diagnosis, X-Ray
Therapy. These two make up
Pour-fifths of the entire book of
over 1,000 pages. The remainder
is devoted to Photo-Therapy, Hot-
Air Therapy, Vibration Therapy
and High Frequency Electric Cur-
rents. The book abounds with illus-
trations with explanatory foot-notes
and referred to in the text for
the purpose of quickening under-
standing and amplifying intellectual
greed. There are no apparatus
advertised in this precious book.
This is left to the makers of ma-
chines, from whom doctors can get

catalogues for the simple asking.
This work is wholly new and has
no parallel, even in part, in any
book previously written. It is a
concise, plain series of instructions
to the worker of an x-ray machine.
The doctor may read and at once
imitate the practice of this great
master, so simple are its teachings.
The wide therapeutical aspect of
radiation has sealed the importance
of the x-rays in the mind of every
true thinker of pathology. This
Pictorial System of Instruction lifts
the cloud of doubt, and to the prac-
titioner everywhere draws aside
the veil of hindrance to easy uses
of the x-rays in diagnosis and to
practice. This is Dr. Monell's best
work. We will review the book in
a subsequent issue of the Ameri-
can X-Ray Journal.

H. R.

Readers of the American X-Rav Jour-
nal are acquainted with correct methods
of x-ray therapy.

The American X-Ray Journal is an
index medicus of all that goes on in the
x-ray world.

If you want the truth about the uses of
the x-ray, purged of verbosity and specu-
lation, read regularly the American X-Rav
Journal. Where else can you get it?

We are pleased to note that Dr. H. H.
Fabrique, Chief Surgeon of St. Francis
Hospital, Wichita, Kansas, called upon
Dr. Robarts during past week for instruc-
tion in the therapy of the x-rays. Dr.
J. M. Haney of Centralia, 111. and Dr.
Albert H. Dollear of Jacksonville, 111. were
also here in the same capacity. It is a
good sign when physicians seek the best
means for information.

L042

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

Priority in
X-Ray Therapeutics.

A Summary of the Work Done in
L896.

( Report of the Research Committee of the
Chicago Electro- Medical Society).
A dopted Ma rch 25, 1902.

The first published suggestion for the
therapeutic use of the x-ray appears to
have been made by Dr. T. Glover Lyon
in a letter to the London I^ancet, Feb-
ruary 1, 1890, page 326. This was fol-
lowed by a second letter dated February
17. 1896 giving an account of his expo-
sure of the bacilli of tuberculosis and
diphtheria, in cultures, to the x-rays for
twelve hours, with results entirely nega-
tive.

In the Munchener Medicinische Woch-
enschrift for February 4, 1896, pages 101,
L02, Dr. Franz Mink gave an account of
two exposures of bacteria cultures to the
x-rays, for about half an hour each, with
negative results. In the March number
of the same journal, page 202, Dr. Mink
reported a second exposure of a culture
of the typhus bacilli in agar, for fifteen
hours, with negative results.

On February 17, 1896, Professors
Schuster and Delepine of Owens Col-
lege (British Medical Journal, February
29, 1896) exposed to the X-Rays three
sets of culture tubes containing cholera
vibrio, bacillus coli communis, and bacil-
lus typhosus, for IT), 80 and 60 minutes
respectively. Two days later a similar
Bel was exposed to the rays for two
hours. The results were negative in
hot li eases.

On April 5, 1896, Drs. II. Preston
Pratl and Hugo Wightman of Chicago
exposed to the x-rays lor one, two and

three hours respectively, three sets of
culture tubes of the following bacilli :
cholera, diptheria, influenza, glanders,
pneumonia, typhoid, tuberculosis and
anthrax. Several of the cultures were
killed by one hour's exposure ; and all
by three hour's exposure. — {Chicago
Times- Herald, April 13, 17, 18 ; Chicago
Tribune, April 14, 1896.) April 13,
1896, Dr. Pratt treated two patients
who had cancer of the stomach, who
were immediately benefited by the ex-
posures of one hour each. — {Chicago Tri-
bune, April 14.) Guinea pigs were in-
oculated, April 18, with tubercular
bacilli. — (limes-Herald, April 19,) and
exposed to the x-rays for one hour daily.
Those thus treated lived, though with
x-ray burns ; the controls all died of
tuberculosis.

Dr. Pratt by request of the New York
Journal, began the treatment of a case
of pulmonary and laryngial tuberculosis
by the x-rays, April 19, 1896. After
one week, during which improvement
was very marked, the patient left the
city, and later died. — New York Journal,
April 19, et seq.)

On April 23, 1896, Drs. Lortet and
Genoud inoculated eight Guinea pigs
with tubercular bacilli, and exposed
three of them to the x-rays one hour
daily. These three remained well; the
rest developed suppurating abcesses. —
{Medical Week, Paris, Vol. IV, 1896,
pp. 326-27.)

Professors Schroder and Hickman of
Missouri, April 27, succeeded in destroy-
ing the bacilli of diphtheria by the
\-rays.) — Chicago Tribune, April 28,
1896, page 4.)

Two pronounced cases of pulmonary
tuberculosis successfully treated by Dr.
II. P. Pratt were reported by Dr. Fin-
ley Ellingwood in the Chicago Medical
limes, Vol. XXIX, No. 7, July, 1896,
and Sept. 1896. Treatment of the first
was begun April 17 and continued for

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

1043

six weeks, with marked improvement.
Treatment of the second began May 20,
and in September, 1896, he was to all
appearances completely cured. (See
also The Clinic, July 15, 1897.)

Dr. Stone of Fort Leavenworth, in a
letter to the Association of American
Physicians, April 30, 1896, stated that
the x-rays in his experiments appeared
to have no destructive effect upon bac-
teria.

Dr. F. Berton {Medical Week, Vol.
IV, 1896, p. 351) exposed broth cult-
ures of bacillus diphtheria to the x-rays
for sixteen, thirty-two and sixty-four
hours, without effect.

Dr. Despeignes (mentioned in Medical
Record, August 29, 1896, page 307) used
the x-rays for a case of carcinoma of the
stomach. The patient improved under
the treatment, but died later.

During the latter half of 1896, Drs.
Pratt and Stirling {Chicago Medical
Times, December, 1896, page 456)
treated a number of disorders success-
fully with the x-rays; among which
were lupus (in June), sciatica (in July),
emotional melancholia (in September),
dorsal pain, articular rheumatism, and
tuberculosis of the kidney.

Dr. J. Tarkhanoff, in Gazetta Bolkina,

1896, No. 33, (Presse Medicate, Febru-
ary 24, 1897) reports the recovery of
frogs poisoned by strychnine, when ex-
posed to the x-rays. Those not exposed
[died.

Drs. Rendu and du Castel {Progres
Medical, January 30, 1897, page 71; and
La Semaine Medicalc, 1897, page 20)
gave a pneumonia patient relief in three
applications of the x-rays.

Dr. Freund {La Semaine Medicate,

1897, page 24) reported the cure of a
large, pigmented, hairy nevus by x-rays.
? Dr. E- Aussat (Journal de clinique et
de therapeutiqne infantile, February 11,
1897 ; and Lancet, March 6, 1897, page
630) found no effect of the x-rays upon

tubercular bacilli in cultures ; but
treated a child of seven years, by the
rays for pulmonary and abdominal
tuberculosis, with marked improvement.

Dr. Voigt, Hamburg, in November,
1896, treated a case of pharyngial carci-
noma.— (Mentioned by Dr. Gocht in
Gebiete der Roentgenstrahlen, Vol. 1,
page 14.

Dr. Schiff at Versammlung Deutscher
Naturforscher und Artze in Braunch-
weig, September 22, 1897, gave a report
of his work in the treatment of lupus,
extending over about one }Tear. — (Fort-
schritte suf dem Gebiete der Roentgens-
trahlen, Vol. 1, 1897-8, page 89.)

The Roentgen Societv of America
will meet sometime in December in annual
session, unless changed by the managing
board. Chicago will probably be the place
of meeting.

The Roentgen Societv of London
have changed the rules that similar agents
to the x-ra}rs may be discussed at their
meetings. They have two classes or char-
acter of meetings. One class admits the
laity. These meetings are more for exhibi-
tion purposes and probably convivial. The
other class admits members only or pro-
fessional persons. In these meetings di-
agnosis and treatment are discussed.
Their meetings are monthly. Election of
members and officers occurs once a year if
the new ruling prevails.

The two great meetings of the Roentgen
Society of America, the one in Decem-
ber, 1900, in the Grand Central Palace, New
York City, and the other in September,
1901, in the University of Buffalo, Buffalo,
N. Y., will go down in the history of medi-
cine as the most valuable meetings for the
diffusion of x-ray information ever held.
As time goes on and the importance of
this subject grows, every member of the
Society that attended these meetings will
be honored for having embraced that op-
portune.

Dr. J. F. Rinehartof Oakland, California,
has recently reported satisfactory treat-
ment of Epithelial Skin-Cancers and Sy-
cosis Non- Parasitica with the x-ray.

104-4-

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

The New Machine for 1902.

By joiix Tow n-send Pi tkin, M. D.

Since the discovery of the x-rays by
Professor Roentgen, each successive
year has been productive of new and
better apparatus for their generation.

Static machines having but eight
revolving wheels have been replaced by
others having ten, twelve, sixteen,
eighteen or twenty-four revolving discs.

With each increase in the number of
plates, other improvements being com-
mensurate, a given tube and speed and
absence of spark gaps has placed pro-
portionately more x-ray light at our
disposal.

Instead of an eighth of a horse power
electro-motor as the source of propulsion
of the apparatus, we now require one-
half of a horse power for its actuation.
This means that w7e have nearly one-
half of a horse power of x-radiance.

Other evidences of the increase in the
power of the modern apparatus are the
thickness (not the length) of the spark,
brightness of the flash, the heavy report
or detonation and greater therapeutic
action.

Owing to a better selection of insula-
tors and conductors and the relative
positions which they bear to each other,
the Static machine recently installed
for the year L902, with twenty-four ("24)
revolving cycles, occupies no more floor
space than was required for any of its
less efficient predecessors.

As air space is a fairly good insulator
for high tension electrical currents,
small machines have been cheaply built
by inclosing them in large cases, placing
the conductors entering into the con-
struction of the case beyond sparking
distance.

By employing heavy plate glass for
Strength and insulation with only

enough wood work to hold it
and afford support for the axl
the space inside of the machine
utilized for the generation of ek
The cycles of the new mac'
twenty-nine inches in diamet-
have found larger plates less c
because their "moment of ine
greater — harder to maintain in 1
hence, their speed is often limit
vibratory or rocking motion,
warp in the plates throws them
out of alignment, it is harder
them properly adjusted and to
rubbing. At an average spee
voltage is excessive.

The stationary plates consist o
pieces of glass, a superior and an
set. Each field plate is double,
tin-foil inductor inclosed betwee:
The pieces of tin-foil are saddle
with one serrated margin. Eac'
tor presents forty-two square ir
surface for electrification.

The advantage of the dout
the single fields are manifolc
have greater exciting power auc
ity or retentivity of the same, i:
more action in the revolving dis
rarely loose their charge or sps
the neutralizing system.

Glass is a better inducing i
than the air.

The field plates project bey.
revolving discs at either end of 1
chine eight inches.

The axle is incased through'
cept in the bearings, in a heav
rubber sleeve ; it is supported a
end by an upright (not nor:
piece of wood, which extends fi
top to the bottom of the case.

Over the sleeve of the axle sol
rubber discs are placed ; they S
the revolving plates from each ot
from the field plates, and hold
mer firmly in situ.

pp, i oU-S- 1 otro

THE AMERICA X X-RAY JOURNAL.

cases in the report. There are two
points of interest in this report —
First: the pictures show that the
operator was master of his work.
Dr. Wio-ht is a surgeon. The
x-rays brought to light what no
other method of diagnosis could
have done, and he operated from
the facts thereby acquired, with the
\ best results obtainable. One case
of ankylosis of the elbow is espec-
ially interesting. It was an old
tuberculous joint in which the ex-
ternal condyle was a mass of dead
bone and pus surrounded with a
thin shell of bone. The x-ray pic-
ture gave all the detailed informa-
tion, and the surgeon performed a
linear osteotomy. Repair was com-

L051

plete with motion through an arc of
65 degrees. Most of the cases men-
tioned in the paper involved the
joints. The second point of inter-
est is. that after all, the paper was
not read — only by title. We are
not aware of just the reason, but
we feel quite certain that if Dr.
Wight should present another pa-
per on some surgical procedure,
in which the x-rays figured in the
case, he would be asked to read
it. The past twelve months has
added immensely to the surgical
interest of the x-rays. Societies
that ignore the tenets of our pro-
fession must lose the respect of
modern practitioners.

H. R.

TiiiaUreene&Go.

42, 44. 46 Wabash Ave.

OHIO AGO, U.S.A.

Manufacturers. Importers, and
Dealers in

ALL FORMS OF

Electrical Apparatus

Known to Medical Sceince.

A Product of Our Own Foctory.

Our Wall Cabinet

Maybe furnished for cells 110-220 or
500 volt direct com. currents

Special points of merit are:
High Tension Coil.

Shunt Graphite, Rheostat.

Standard "Dead Beat."
Mil-am-meter.

Automatic Rheotome.

We will be pleased to forward prices
on application.

105-2

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

X-Ray Divergence Chart.

SUPPLEMENT TO

A System of Instruction in X-Ray
Methods and Medical Uses of
Light, Hot-Air, Vibration
and High-Frequency
Currents.

By S. H. MONELL, M. D.

This chart shows at a glance the follow-
ing points of essential interest to the
X-Ray operator: —

1. A Plane Diagram of X-light radia-
tions from the anode focus-point.

2. The rate of departure of X-Rays from
a parallel path at different distances from
the tube.

3. The proportionate loss of right-angle
shadows at different distances horizontal
to the perpendicular axis.

4. The area of non-distorted field of ob-
servation at any distance from the tube.

5. The area within which a body of any
thickness will shadow a right-angled rela-
tion of the parts at a given distance from
the tube.

6. The distance from the tube at which
a part and the photographic plate must be
exposed to secure essential correctness
and non-distortion for a diagnostic field of
any given size.

7. The general area of approximate non-
distortion on the plate.

8. The obliquity of shadows at all dis-
tances outside of the central field of exact
perpendicularity of radiation.

The Scale of the Chart reads down from
the focus -point of the tube to an imaginary
plate twenty inches distant. For greater
distances, extend the indicated lines below
the Chart, and apply the same rule of in-
terpretation. For full explanatory descrip-
tion see Chapter XVIII.

I n entering new fields it is
1 always well to be

'Introduced right"

> J

V our printea matter is your
1 introduction to new trade.

M eat work makes a good im=
[ill pression and if you have
the goods, the first impression
can be made lasting.

T be neatest work in town is
1 done by

MOCKLER PRINTING COMPANY,

N. E. CORNER 4th A PlNE.

THE AMERICAN

X-Ray Journal

Devoted to Practical X-Ray Work and Allied Arts and Sciences.

PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY THE AMERICAN X BAY PUBLISHING COMPANY
CHARLES P. RENNER, M. D.. M. E., Editor.

SUBSCRIPTION RATES— IN ADVANCE.

United states. Canada and Mexico $3.00 | Foreign Countries $4.00

single Copies 25 | Single Copies H5

Editorial nutter should 1k> addressed to Dr. Charles P. Renner, Editor, Suite KOI Chemical Bldg.. St. Louis.

All business matter should be addressed to the American X-Ray Journal Publishing Co.. same address.

All contributors of original articles and other matter relative to X-Radianee. of interest to the medical profes-
sion, are solicited from all parts of the world. Contributors will be furnished a liberal number of extra copies of
he Journal containing their articles.

Translation of articles written in German, French and Spanish is made by Frank Ring, M. D., 611 Chemical
Building, St. Louis, Mo.

Entered at the Postoftice at St. Louis. Mo., as

Second-Class Matter.

VOL. 10.

ST. LOUIS. JUNE,

1902.

No. S.

CONTEXTS VOL. 10, NO. 2. CONTENTS VOL. 10, NO. 3.

Practical X-Ray Diagnosis.

Dr. MoneU's Latest Book.

Priority in X-Ray Therapeutics.

Pus Foci in Bone.

The New Static Machine for 1002.

X-Ray Burns.

How Errors Are Made in Radiograph}
Injurious Forces From X-Ray Tubes.

The Practical X-Ray Diagnosis.
Observations on Broken Necks.
A Xew Application of the X-Ray.
X-Ray Xarrative.

Xotes on X- Light and Radio- Active

Substances in Therapeutics.
Radiotherapy of the Prostate.
Origin of Cancer.

History of a Case of Unrecognized Frac-
ture of the Radius.
X-Ray Prophecy.

Treatment of Ephithetical Skin-Cancers
and Sycosis Xon-Parsitica with the
X-Ray.

X-Ray Narrative.

Radium.

Surgical Operations in the Old.
Roentgen Society of America.

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

This radiograph is a section of one described in this number of the Journal,
under the caption, "History of a Case of Unrecognized Fracture of the Radius,"
b) Dr. Paul I\ Fletcher. The arm, forearm and hand were taken in one
plate, but the section that revealed injury was all that we had electrotyped.
1 Ik- offending Spicula of bone is clearly seen. The radiograph was made in
the x-ray laboratory of Dr. Robarts.

THE AMERICAN

X-RAY JOURNAL.

Devoted to Practical X-Ray Work and Allied Arts and Sciences.

VOL. 10. ST. LOUIS, JUNE, 1902. No. S.

The Practical X-Ray Diag-
nosis.

Prepared by J. Rudis-Jicinsky, A. M., M. D>, M. E.
Cedar Rapids, la. Revised by M. I'. Dr.
Joseph Hoffman, Vienna Austria.
A series of A B C teaching for workers in x-ray
diagnosis and therapeutics, to be concluded in 20
articles. Fully illustrated.

Crookk's Tubes.

LKSSON IV.

The Crookes' tubes or the Vacuum
tubes which are used to generate the x-
rays, are so named after Sir William
Crookes, F. R. S., who constructed them
for his famous experiments in radiant
matter. In these tubes the air has been
exhausted to such a degree that the re-
maining particles have a vastly greater
freedom of movement than when under
usual atmospheric pressure.

Under these circumstances, on leading
a powerful electric force into the tube by
means of its sealed-in electrodes, these
air particles are thrust to and fro be-
tween the electrodes and the glass op-
posite, just as an electric machine causes
pith balls to dance, and by their incess-
ant bombardment cause heat to appear
in both metal and glass. The tube is
the most essential part of an x-ray out-
fit, and must be of good efficiency. The
efficiency of the tube greatly depends
focus tubes, containing a platinum re-
upon the spark length, the volume of

the same and the proper technique.
But the most important discovery,
how to keep the character of the
light more constant and complete,
has to be made yet. If we work
in the beginning with diminished tension
and gradually increasing the same by
means of the current regulator of our
apparatus, the life of the tube will be
considerably prolonged.

The interior action of an x-ray tube
may be regulated. What the x-rays are
themselves we are not vet able to say.
What changes occur in the tube from the
standpoint of a physicist we do not know
positively ; some say it is the disassocia-
tion of vapor molecules of water, others
think that there is some breaking up of
hydrogen atoms, and finally, the theory
of corpuscles was given for the whole
phenomena in the tube during the ray-
ing. We, however, do know how to get
and reproduce some certain results of
x-ray work ; results giving us different
degrees of x-rays with different de-
grees of shadows in our pictures. The
rays we observe with the fluoroscope,
the penetration and the shadows may be
differentiated with a skiameter and to
become a master observer of these rays,
should be our aim.

These tubes are made in various
shapes. Globular, Pear-shaped and
Cylindrical, so-called on account of the
peculiar constructions of the electrodes.
The best tubes yet made are the so-called

1054

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

Hector (Monell's etc.), as shown in Fig.
2, with or without the regulating device
for increasing or decreasing the vacuum
in the tube, or they may be reinforced

Fig. 2.

on platinum plate with platinum (Green
and Bauer). The concave electrode is al-
ways used as the cathode. The cathode
rays, proceeding from it, focus on the
platinum sheet, which forms the anode
with or without a disk reflector, rotary
target, cooled target (Rollins), or con
linuous metallic conductor with or with-
out the cup (See : Amer. X-Ray Journal,
July, 1899), sending off from the
SpOl on which they focus a powerful
shaft of x-rays. As this spot is
quite small, skiagraphs, or radiograph;
mad- with this or similar tubes arc al-
ways well defined, and may now be made
especially with tin- help of intensifying
screens in a much shorter time than
would have been considered possible at

an earlier period of the photography of
the invisible. Fig. 3 represents Thomp-
son's double focus tube, having two ca-
thode electrodes, the rays from which
are projected simultaneously against the
Y-shaped anode placed between them.
( Not showm. )

Leonard's double focus tube is
constructed in such a way that a proper
localization without any other device is
not only possible, but sure and simple.
(See : Amer. X-Ray Journal, Nov. 1899.)
There are tubes in the market supplied
with additional chamber containing vol-
atile salts or wires, the heating of which
reduces the vacuum of the tube, and
thus a more uniform vacuum can be ob-
tained or the vacuum itself may be regu-
lated . Muller's Universal Roentgen Tube

G

K

etc.) Muller's Universal Roentgen Tube
with auxiliary tube for regulating the
vacuum to either a high or low degree
is the latest. The advantages of this
regulating modus operandi comprise the
following :

1. That the use of a flame is entirely
abrogated and,

2. That the regulating device can be
Used in the simplest and most effective

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

1055

manner as an automatic regulator while
the application is proceeding, and

3. That by reason of the addition of
the auxiliary tube it recommends itself
specially for long exposures as well as
for exact impressions.

4. Most important of all advantages is
the fact that the regulating elements
contained in the auxiliary tube are so
plentifully present that the longevity of
the tube is thereby secured and with
careful use should last for a long time.

Fig. 5 represents the tube, which was
devised by Edison. Two slanting disks
mutually converge the cathodic stream
to the area of the glass bulb, at certain
angle. With such a tube the over-heat-
ing is impossible. (Not shown.)

If we use the high potential and high
frequency current another ingenious
tube devised by Tesla may be employed.
Fig. 6 shows the tube, which needs only

i ^SP-

Fig. 6.

one terminal, but can not be used with-
out the powerful Tesla coil.

There is another tube for stereoptic
vision designed by Caldwell. By using
two sources of x-rays in the same tube
each eye views independently the shad-
ow, with the result that the picture
stands out distinctly. It is thought that
the fluoroscopic examination of frac-
tures especially may be made much
more successfully, permitting immediate
examination by this method with a fluor-
oscope having a special rotating shutter.

Reduction of Vacuum.

When the vacuum has become too
high in consequence of much use, cer-
tain focus tubes had to be heated with
a spirit lamp around the cathode or
aluminium electrode until they again
emit x-rays. This must not be done

while the current is passing through the
tube, the operator may receive shocks
from the apparatus, or the lamp could
explode. If the degree of exhaustion
of vacuum in the common focus tube or
the New Improved German tube is too
high, sparks will often play around the
tube ; to avoid this we use a round me-
tallic disk at the anode (See Fig. 7), and

4-

Fig. 7. Disk at anode, not shown.

get a steady light, that, by proper ad-
justment, may be increased to a brilliant
glow, thus affording of any degree of
penetration.

A very simple way to get a vacuum
suited to our apparatus is by a hand
regulator or a temporary regulator may
be made by twisting a bit of wire on a
stick. This way we may always cause
several sparks to pass into the chemical
bulb, place the regulator or short cir-
cuiting rod in contact with the platinum
loop at the anode and cause the spark
to pass to the cathode end of the tube.
A very few sparks, sometimes one or
two, should lower the vacuum sufficient-
ly for the time, being.

In discussing the problem of the
proper manipulation of the vacuum of
a tube to get good results and good

L056

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

effects, we have to consider also the
raising of the vacuum electrically in case
of necessity. As stated already, the
vacuum of a tube is constantly chang-
ing and the quantity differs occasionally
and can never be relied upon to remain
the same in every exposure. Our ex-
perience of observation with the help of
the fluoroscope, therefore, is a better
guide in each given case than all the
theoretical advices given, lengths of ex-
posures, etc. Sometimes few beautiful
flashes of the x-ray, as seen on the
screen of our rluoroscope, give us photo-
graphically better results than prolonged
exposures made according to some giv-
en pattern. It is only necessary to be-
come familiar with the stage of vacuum
in our tube adopted for certain work,
and to know how to produce it. We can
expel gas from anode of our tube by
introducing a variable capacity discharge
in the anode end of the tube, and in
this way or by simple burning, lower the
vacuum, and by capacity discharge in
cathode end and no discharge in anode,
may raise the vacuum. So that by regu-
lation of those two capacities, we can
have the vacuum at a certain degree, and
by varying the intensity of the current
we can vary the quantity and the degree
of our rays. The rluoroscope must al-
ways be our guide and if there is any
blue color streaming along the inner
walls of the tube, we know that we have
only very w eak rays, and it may require
a longer stream of our current to pro-
duce the well-known green color of the
x-ray proper. The x-rays have to
have the necessary penetrating power,
which easily may be made out on rluor-
oscopic examination, and the differentia-
tion will follow, especially if we have
a good apparatus possessing regulating
mechanism of special construction.
To raise the vacuum electrically, there-
tore, we have to simply, send a moderate

current through the tube continuously,
the operator watching its behavior care-
fully for a little time, and as the fluor-
oscope indicates the different qualities of
the rays, the observation may successful-
ly be applied. (Rollins.)

We all know that the particles of gas
in a Crookes' tube, and also those oc-
cluded in the terminals, become electri-
callv charged and carry their charge
from one terminal to the other when
the tube is in action. The stream goes
from the cathode to the anode. This
movement of particles causes repulsion
of unlike sign attraction, so that the par-
ticle being repelled from the cathode and
attracted to the anode, strikes the latter
with great force of the bombardment.
This breaking up of the particles pro-
duces the x-ray; therefore, the more
particles we have in action, the greater
will be the quantity of rays. To have
great contrast in our photographic work
on our plates, we must have a good
source of electricity, and a certain inten-
sity of bombardment to each particle in
our Cookes? tube ; and to make short
exposures, we must have a great quan-
tity of rays, which we collect with the
help of the calcium-tungstate screen,
face down upon the film side of the sen-
sitive plate. The vacuum of Crookes'
tube is constanly changing quantity and
should not be relied on to remain con-
stant ; it differs in different tubes and
sometimes in one and the same tube.
We therefore have always to watch our
tube. To know our tube, the resistance
of the same, and the proper technique
is the whole secret of good results in
radiology. The discovery of Roentgen,
which makes possible and easy an abso-
lutely correct diagnosis where previous
ly uncertainty and error outweighed
definite knowledge, through this results
in experimentation and researches seems
to be still more important.

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

1057

LESSON V.

Induction Coils.

The induction coils used with x-ray
apparatus are built on one and the same
principle. The most practical point so
far substantiated in the coil is that al-
most instanteous skiagraphs can be ob-
tained with not less than a 12-inch spark-
gap. Larger coils than this are not re-
quired for general use. The commonly

known Ruhmkorff Coil is used mostly,
being named after Ruhmkorff, of Paris,
who, although not the inventor of same,
made many instruments of the kind, and
contrived various improvements. There
is no question about it that one of the
most important factors in the produc-
tion of the x-ray is a perfect working-
induction coil, as upon its action depends
the satisfactory fluorescence of the
vacuum tube. In the laboratory of an
expert the coils are used, being very
much more powerful, and as it is claimed
giving effects which cannot be produced
with a static machine. The coils are not
affected by atmospheric changes and are
in some instances portable. In my ex-
perience the coils gave us good results
in skiagraphy, especially when the induc-
ing currents were short, sharp, snappy
and vigorous in connection with a good
interrupter, but we like the work of a
static machine just as well. In regard
to the portability the coil certainly plays
the main part and then is by far the most
satisfactory to handle.

The induction coil consists of primary
and a secondary winding of many miles

of wires and a case, which contains con-
densor or not. The primary coil and the
condensor are provided with terminals
for the connections. The primary coil
is composed of a bundle of thin iron
wires, around which a copper wire is
wound. In coils giving 10 to 40-inch
spark or over, the primary winding is
entirely covered with an ebonite insula-
tor, the inner coil is movable, so that it
can easily be drawn out. This arrange-
ment adds considerable to their effi-
ciency and offers great security during
transport. In introducing a quickly-in-
terrupted current into the primary wire,
currents of very high tension generated
in the secondary wire and sparks of con -
siderable length and volume are pro-
duced. The efficiency of an induction
coil is greatly dependent upon the in-
terrupter. (See the illustration in May
issue of this Journal.)

When the coil is put in operation, a
current regulator is interposed between
the source of electricity, and the coil, in
order to introduce into the latter the
amount of current necessary for working
tube. The speed of the interrupter must
be also regulated until the most power-
ful results are obtained. A good coil
has to maintain the full length of sparks
even when the interrupter is working
with great rapidity ,and what is just as
important, the spark has to be produced
with every interruption. This is a very
important point, as good results can
only be obtained by interruptions of
high speed. Remember that the value
of an induction coil depends not only on
the length of spark, but it is also neces-
sary for the spark to be powerful and
complete with every interruption, even
when the interrupter is running at its
greatest speed. Experience has shown
a rapidity of 1,000 to 1,500 interruptions
per minute to be the most useful both
for skiagraphy and screen work. When

1058

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

operating with higher speed, the tube
will not always glow at every interrup-
tion and may act irregularly, not steady.
The alternating current was not so ef-
fective as direct current when derived
from the dynamo machine for our coil,
and when batteries are used the main in-
convenience in alternating the direction
of the primary current is the use of a
double break-wheel. Direct current in
the primary circuit with proper interrup-
tion is the thing we are after The kind
of regulator, interrupter or vibrator or
a break-wheel may be safely left with the
manufacturer, who knows exactly what
his coil properly needs.

When the apparatus is connected as
per diagram (See : Amer. X-Ray Jour-
nal, Nov., 1899, page 663), it is ready for
use and needs only the closing of the
switch and possible slight adjustment of
the contact screwrs to start the vibrator,
interrupter, etc. When this is accom-
plished, the tube should become fluor-
escent. That is, if the tube has been so
connected that the negative — or cathode
current passes through the. aluminum
plate, which is in the tube, disk or any
other device, the light which appears
will be of a pale green color, and al-
most completely fill the space between
the electrodes, while the x-ray may be
instantly seen with the rluoroscope. If,
however, the anode positive current
passes into the tube through the alum-
inum electrode, the green light will be
diffused part behind the platinum elec-
trode and part of the lower edge of the
bulge, while no light can be made out on
the screen of the rluoroscope. In such
a case, the wires which are connected
to the- tube should be reversed.

The Kinraide Induction coil was al-
ready mentioned; it consists of two sep-
arate secondaries with their primaries
connected in scries Fig. i). The weak-
feature of the common Ruhmkorff coil

is the heat developed in primary, but in
this coil insulation can not be melted
and no delicate part of the apparatus will
suffer by the heat generated. The Kin-

Fig. 9.

raide coil is portable, safe in operation,
simple in construction, durable and may
be operated with comparatively small
amount of the current, giving strong x-
ray light and great volume. The dif-
ficulty attending prolonged exposure
does not exist, the skiagraphs will be
very tine and finished negatives give full
detail, and are as usually better than the
positives.

There is another good coil to be men-
tioned and designated by Rollins. The
vacuum in the tube with this apparatus
may be regulated by moving rubber
handles in front of the coil in and out.
The contrast of light with tubes of dif-
ferent resistance may be observed very
easily and with a Electrolytic-Interrup-
ter the apparatus may be run for many
hours daily. The coil may be operated
from the direct or alternating current
of 1 10 volts.

In case of any strikingly new develop-
ment, the apparatus as first used is al-
ways a modified form of that already
existing, but this gradually is abandoned
and new types arise, which give more
satisfaction or better results. » The proof
of this simple fact is also the Fessenden
machine, which does not require delicate
usage ; is very simple, compact and port-
able. To start the machine all that is
necessary, is to turn the switch and press

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

1059

down the knob. There is no condenser,
rheostat or other complicated apparatus,
because all the adjustments are made by
moving spark-gap handles. It is impos-
sible for this coil to break down, be-
cause the insulation is different, even if
deluged with water or acid. In such
case you need only to remove the faulty
section, and replace it with a new one.
instead of requiring practically the re-
building of the entire coil, as in the old
method of construction. The volume of
the spark in this coil is great and the
enersrv of the secondary circuit mav run
up to 300 watts.

Observations on Broken Necks.

Dr. Reginald H. Say re of New York
presented a number of photographs from
cases of fracture of the cervical vertebrae.
In making the diagnosis the position of
the head was of extreme importance: if
the fracture involved the three upper
vertebrae, the head would almost invari-
ably be twisted to one side after the
manner of torticollis, there was often
also an abnormal straightness of the back
of the neck. Dr. Say re said experience
had taught him that support of the cer-
vical vertebrae was necessary for a much
longer time than was generally supposed.
Skiagraphs of these cases were often mis-
leading, in very many cases an excellent
mode of treatment was to envelope the
body and head of the patient in plaster-
of-Paris, so as to combine a helmet with
a jacket.

These brief remarks on broken necks
have one point of interest. "Skiagraphs
of these cases are often misleading."
All skiagraphs are misleading in the
hands of the ignorant. Of course I
mean the ignorant operator. This is
like the old "inaccuracies of the x-rays"
that haunted so many until the Ameri-

can X-Ray Journal pointed out the
sources of the inaccuracies. If in the
instance of the subject the operator
would use some device to correct the
distortion his picture would have a
known value. If he has knowledge of
normal anatomy then his picture would
show to him the condition exactly as it
is and the abnormal state be properlv
i interpreted.

A New Application of the X-Ray.

According to the Journal de Medicine
a man placed under arrest for illegal
practice of medicine, claiming to be a
graduate of an American college, pre-
sented a diploma which excited suspi-
cion. The Roentgen rays revealed the
outlines of a named erased to; make room
for that of the man who was thus con-
victed.

The above is taken from an exchange
and as there are no comments we are
urged again to give our disapproval of
the publication of any matter that gives
evidence of falsity or smacks of quack-
ery in x-rays. It is more difficult to
unlearn than to learn correctly. False im-
pressions only weaken the great impor-
tance of raying. Some months ago the
American X-Ray Journal published
quite fully the advantages the x-ray gave
to those who were trying to identify
the original signature upon paintings.
It was valueless in every case except
where the signature wras made in gold.
Modern ink with a fair amount of erasure
will not be seen either on plate or
screen.

The Royal College of Physicians and the
Royal College of Surgeons together have
sanctioned a plan for the systematic in-
vestigation of cancer. It is prepared to
raise 5500,000 for the purpose.

1000

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

,,/) X-Ray Narrative.

A Series of Articles by Dr. F. S. O Hara.

••It is remarkable what a part this
machine can play in the destinies of
mankind " said the gray-haired doctor as
he leaned back in his chair and contem-
plated the trim outline of his static ma-
chine.

I surveyed the speaker with a quick
and penetrative glance. It was late
when I arrived in his office, but he had
consulted with me regarding my ailment,
advised me kindly what plan of treat-
ment to follow, and now that our busi-
ness had been finished we had turned
to the discussion of the wonderful
Roentgen Ray.

My analysis of Doctor Barsto was
highly unsatisfactory. He was an enig-
ma. That powerful build, agile move-
ment, and immediate deduction from a
line of reasoning, that he exhibited re-
garding my case, seemed more that of an
expert detective than of a physician.
And true it was that he had at one time
been a great detective, but I am ahead
of my story.

•kTo what particular destiny of man
do you allude doctor?" I queried.

•Many, my dear sir, many and varied
are the things in life intimately associated
with the vital essence of life, electricity."
What is it? You cannot see it, in its
□ascent state you cannot feel it, neither
can you smell it nor yet can you taste it ;
yet it is that inexplicable something that
rules this planet of ours, and if I am
right in my theory it is that which holds
the world of planets in position, and
keeps chaos from supplanting cosmos.
I call to mind a circumstance that if you
have tlu- time I shall take pleasure in re-
lating to you, and which will show you
One of the manifold uses to which a
static machine can be put."

Assuring him that my time was in no

wise so valuable as was his, I settled my-
self to hear the tale he was about to
relate.

"It was soon after the discovery of the
ray was made by Prof. Roentgen, that
I purchased a machine for experimental
purposes, little thinking it to be of
great value to me. I had learned the
use of the various portions of the appa-
ratus, and had succeeded in acquiring a
lovely dermatitis during the course of my
experiments, when I was consulted by a
friend of mine, regarding a legal matter
that engrossed his attention.

You are probably unaware that I was.
many years ago, a dabbler in the science
of criminology to the extent that I
perhaps merited the title of detective.
I would not mention this but for the fact
that it has a bearing upon the case in
discussion.

One evening, after I had my machine
about three months, an old human blood
hound friend of mine called to see me
to ask some advice regarding a certain
case that was puzzling him not a little.

The story, briefly told, was that Mrs.

A had reported to the police the loss

of a diamond necklace worth $15,000.00.
A servant of the household was sus-
pected, a search warrant issued, and even
the most minute investigation failed to
reveal even a trace of the missing gems.
The servant was incarcerated, upon sus-
picion, and whilst in prison had commit-
ted suicide by dashing his head against
the jail wall.

There had been found a communica-
tion, an ante-mortem statement left by
the man, that he could stand all else but
disgrace, and in his last hour of life he
vehemently asserted his innocenee in
writing. The associates of this man had
been watched, and still no trace of the
missing property discovered. It was a
perplexing case, and the reputation of
my friend, the detective, depended upon
the solution.

THE AMERICA X X-RA Y JOURNAL. 1061

I queried him regarding the possi-
bility of any other of the servants being
at fault. Xo. They had also been un-
der surveillance.

Could the woman have robbed her-
self, as is sometimes conveniently done
when one is short of funds? Xo. That
would leastways lead to a pawn shop,
and all the loan offices had been investi-
gated. The fact of the business, was
that those stones had disappeared so
completely that they had not left even a
ring of blue smoke, and the question
that confronted us, was, where, and
how?

I was nonplussed. I went indus-
triously into the family history, the hus-
band was wealthy, there was no appar-
ent reasons why either he or his wife
should act in a suspicious manner.

Upon my suggestion each and every
member of the household was shadowed
for several weeks and nothing suspi-
cious developed. It is without a doubt,
that the solution of the mysterv would
never have occurred but for one little
circumstance which I will now relate.

It was perhaps a month later that a
Veterinary Surgeon, who was a good
friend of mine called at my office, bear-
ing in his arms a small dog. He begged
pardon for his presumptiousness, but
explained that he thought that he could
presume upon our friendship, to such an
extent, that I would make an examina-
tion of the canine, by aid of the Roentgen
ray, and see if I could give him an idea
of the cause of intestinal obstrucrion
that existed in the dog. I told him that
while I did not profess to skill in his
line of business, I saw no reason why
the ray should not be of benefit to
beast as well as to mankind, and after
connecting up the tube, I started the
motor, turned out the lights in the room,
and in a few moments the apple green
color of the tube, told me that everv-
thing was in readiness for the test.

He held the dog within the focus of
the rays, and I applied the fluoroscope
to my eyes. A confused mass appeared
in the interior of the animal, and upon
changing the position of the dog, I saw
the outline of a chain, possibly contain-
ing stones, mounted in metal of some
kind.

The mind acts quickly in such cases.
I hurried to the telephone and called up
the police station. My friend Mr.
Olden happened to be in, and I re-
quested him to call at my office at once.

Whilst waiting for Olden I subjected
the animal to a more accurate localiza-
tion of the mass within its bowels. It
is impossible to accurately localize an
object seen, unless the distortion of the
rays is corrected by means of the fluoro-
meter. By correcting the rays from
four distinct places, the accurate locali-
zation is unquestionable.

I was not certain that the mass was
within the stomach of the canine, so
I requested Dr. Albert to hold the ani-
mal quiet, whilst I applied the fluoro-
meter, and adjusted the sights. Having
set the tiny metal wings front and back
it was plain to be seen that the foreign
body was correctly located from front to
back, and by changing the position of
my tube without changing the position
of the subject and repeating the pro-
cedure, with the rays penetrating from
the side, I laid my second two points of
correction, and I knew that a knife
thrust in a direct line from point to point
of correction must surely pass through
the foreign body.

I queried the veterinarian as to whom
the animal belonged. "To Mrs. A.,"
was the response, and I knew by intui-
tion that the missing string of diamonds
were brought to light by means of the
wonderful Roentgen ray. It is to be
remembered that diamonds are transpar-
ent to x-rays, and are not any more
shadowed than that much charcoal, or

L062

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

bits of wood. The gold mounting and
chain, however, being wholly capable of
absorbing rays, the mass was seen in
black relief, in contrast to the translu-
cent flesh.

Olden arrived, breathless, in a short
time, and he in turn viewed the pheno-
menon.

Operation upon the canine was out of
the question, and at the suggestion of
Doctor Albert, a lethal dose of morphia
was administered to the animal. In ten
minutes the gems were in our hands. In
the interim we had explained the case
to the Doctor, and he coincided with
our views, that the wisest course to pur-
sue, was strict silence regarding the
place in which we found the diamonds.

Next morning, Mrs. A. was made
happy by the restoration of her diamond
necklace, which she still wears, not
knowing that they reposed for some
time in the intestinal canal of her favor-
ite poodle.

Olden received a handsome reward,
which he concientiously divided with
Doctor Albert, and I had the satisfaction
of knowing from practical experience,
one more use of the Roentgen ray."

Having finished his story, Doctor
Uarsto lighted his cigar, leaned far back
in his chair, and blew rings of smoke
towards the ceiling.

I thanked him for his entertaining
narrative, and prepared to leave. "Come
again," said lie, "and I will tell you
of some other cases, criminal and other-
wise, in which my machine has figured.

Springfield, iu..

Ry reading the American X-Ray Jour-
nal you acquaint yourself with the correct
methods of x-ray therapy.

A a recent meeting of the Harvard Medi-
cal Society of New York City, Dr. W. J.
Morten read a paper on the treatment of
malignant growths by the x-rays, with a
provisional report on casts under treat-
ment.

Notes on X-Light and Radio-Active
Substances in Therapeutics.

William Rollin has made experiments
with radio-active substances in the hope
of finding a substitute for x-light. He
found that some of the radiations retained
their activity after passing through ani-
mal tissues as thick as the body of a
guinea-pig. He is anxious to have radi-
um tried on lupus, superficial cancer, and
diseases of the skin in which x-light
has been found useful. Radio-active
substances can be used in sealed capsules
held against the body by adhesive plas-
ter, or they can be made to cover large
areas by mixing them with rubber or cel-
luloid to form moisture-proof plasters.
These plasters may be still further pro-
tected by being coated on the side nearest
the body by aluminum foil, and on the
opposite sides by lead foil. They could
be kept in stock by the yard by drug-
gists and given to patients by prescrip-
tion with proper directions as to the
length of application. They could be
worn at night. They could be used by
the poor at much less expense than sit-
tings for the use of x-light from a
vacuum tube.

We are glad to print this little refer-
ence abstracted from the New York Medi-
cal Record because it really does have
some significance. Becquerell carried a
piece of radio-active substance in his
pocket for several days and found a
dermatitis developing at the point the
substance was nearest the skin.

It is more difficult to unlearn false teach-
ings than to acquire original truth. Begin
right and read the American X-RavJotr-

NAI,.

How can one hope to be informed unless
lie reads and thinks. Every reader of the
American X Ray Journal is informed.

THE AMERICA X X-RAY JOURNAL.

1063

Radiotherapy of the Prostate.

By Dr. Heber Robarts.

I desire to call the readers attention
to a method that is wholly new in liter-
ature— a mode of treatment for the
restoration of diseased and hypertro-
phied prostates.

It is not known that the method to be
mentioned has ever been used by others.
I was persuaded to use the x-rays for
the relief of pain in a patient that had
long been a sufferer with a tender and
hypertrophied prostate. The relief af-
orded encouraged me to use radiations in
other similar cases. The first iutimatiou
however that this form of light would
render relief came through a case of
Dr. Logan's. The patient was being
treated for extravasation in the corpora
cavernosa and corpus spongiosum ren-
dering the entire organ useless except
as a channel for carrying away the con-
tents of the bladder. At every effort to
erection, deep, not painful dorsal incurv-
ature attended. As an organ of pleasure
it was an abomination. Time and alter-
ative medication and local application
gave no relief. There was no history
to account for the trouble. The injury
was of six months standing and futile
efforts for relief urged the doctor to
advise about the x-rays. The patient
had suffered for some years periodically
with prostatic disease. Since the later
trouble, however, he had directed all his
attention to the virile organ. I was
consulted and by agreement we ex-
posed the patient daily for the relief
of the extravasation. About six ex-
posures were made when the patient
spoke of the relief the rays afforded
the prostate. It must not be under-
stood that the prostate resumed its
normal size under this treatment. But
after the treatment was discontinued

the bulk of the unnatural prostate
seemed to continuously lessen.

The method I have pursued for the
treatment of these cases is to place the
patient upon a chair having a wooden
seat with a plane even surface through-
out. In the middle of the seat there is
an opening about one inch across,
slightly greater laterally. Over the en-
tire seat is fitted a sheet of lead with a
fenestral equal to the size just men-
tioned. Surrounding the chair a cur-
tain of lead is permitted to drop to near
the floor. Eight inches beneath the
seat the tube is suspended having its
support in insulated thimbles resting in
the curtains. The anode is directed
towards the opening. The coil or static
machine may be used as in all other
therapy of the x-rays. The patient is
seated with the perineum over the cen-
tre of the opening the widest portion
being lateral to the patient. The bulb of
the urethra should not be within the
range of the radiation. About one inch
from the junction of the scrotum with the
perineum is the situation of the bulb.
At this point the anterior edge of the
opening in the seat should be placed.
The patient sitting firmly upon the open-
ing the perineum drops into it slightly,
and if the body is somewhat inclined for-
ward the prostate is immediately over the
anode. The energy of the tube should
be sufficient to give radiance through the
prostate. If the carpus can be seen at a
distance of four feet from the tube, radi-
ation will be sufficient. This can be test-
ed before the patient takes his seat. The
current should pass through the tube
without any apparent difficulty and there-
fore such a tube is a soft one. This is a
relative term however. The source of
electrical energy whether from coil or from
plates very much determines the nature
of the tubes capacity. When familiar
with the apparatus and tube, without
fluoroscopic test we can fairly accurately

L064

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

judge of what the tube is doing in any
particular case. With the coil having a
rheostat with fifteen to twenty buttons
the condition of the tube is determined
quite accurately. The same can be done
with a rheostat controlling the static
machine and with the interrupters, fairly
well regulate the tube. With the coil
the degree of light can be regulated with
almost the precision of a wick in an oil
lamp. The position of the patient is im-
portant but it is not neccesary to use any
protecting batting between the sheet of
lead and the skin. This was a former
notion, and may have been a good thing
when there was a great deal of wasted
energy about the tube.

The third pafient I treated was 70
years of age. The third lobe of the pro-
state was the only portion of the gland
affected, so far as diagnosis could be
made. On account of difficult micturat-
tion he consulted me. The prostatic
urethra was considerably lengthened.
It was with considerable difficulty that a
metal catheter could be introduced. He
suffered with some pain and perineal un-
easiness. I placed the patient in the
radio-postatic position and gave him
daily treatments of 15 minutes each for
20 days. The soreness and perineal un-
easiness was not noticeable after the first
treatment. Micturation became less
troublesome after each treatment, and
after the twentieth he was apparently
well.

The next case I had was 55 years
of age. The prostate gland was hyper-
trophied and would probably weigh 15
drachms or more. There was no trouble
in urinating but if the bowels were at all
constipated he suffered in the perineal
region. He was not impotent but had
precipitate semen. An anxious counte-
nance foretold that he was worried. The
radio-postatic position was directed and
raying done for IS minutes alternating
days till In treatments were given. The

patient apparently recovered. In all
cases treated marked relief followed. It
is too soon to know with what perma-
nency these treatments will relieve the
patient for this common and distressing
affection. Roentgen-theapy is several
years old already. I have been doing this
work since its inception, and find sug-
gestions every day for improving tech-
nique in x-ray work.

In tumors, especially of cancerous
type the rays act with wonderful results.
Tumors judged to be cancerous imbedded
beneath the tissues yield to radiations.
The prostate gland differs from cancerous
structure. Hypertrophy is due to in
creased natural fibrous and muscular tis-
sue of the organ together with the gland-
ular structure. However the rays are
not confined to one line of influence.
It must be remembered that the most
potent action for good is its revitalizing
action, as is known to occur on scar
tissue. Its antiphlogistic action is seen
when psoriasis spots fade away. The two
actions here mentioned might be enough
to account for its benign influence on
hypertrophied prostates. But we must
know that the rays have bactericidal
action and also an inflammatory action.
May at least the first of these not be
wrell influenced towards good in hyper-
trophy of the prostate. The analgesic
action is the fifth well defined action of
the x-rays on human tissue. This last
action accounts for the immediate relief
experienced by those suffering with
painful prostates. As to just how
nature act to remove hypertrophied con-
ditions is conjectural and speculative.
At present we are content with the
known remedy.

In my teachings I find it is better for
the doctor to know better how to relieve
suffering than to understand the physics
of his machine.

There has been probably no time in
the history of civilized races when the

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

1065

prostate gland was not known to a very
large number of persons. It has been
written that an organ is only known by
its owner when diseased. In health we
have no thought of the presence of an
organ. When perversion of normal
functions ensues, we are reminded of
Something going wrong. Our mode of
living and the ever tendencies of man to
excess in natural and unnatural ways,
invited particularly in crowded districts
where show and venery is encouraged,
it can only be expected, and is perfectly
natural, when we consider nervous and
emotional dependencies, that the prostate
should be hypertrophied or otherwise
diseased. Following the laws that
maintain other organs, exercise in mod-
eration maintains normalcy : excessive
use leads on to changed conditions.

The prostate gland is a venereal organ.
The plexus of veins about the base of
the gland receive the dorsal vein of the
penis; the arteries are from the internal
pudic, and they go on to form the capil-
laries of the trabeculae. The nerves are
from the prostatic plexus, and besides
supplying the prostate they are dis-
tributed to the vesiculae seminalis, and
the erectile structure of the organ. The
common seminal ducts perforate the
prostate and terminate in the prostatic
urethra where the twelve ejaculatorv
ducts of the prostate open. The secre-
tion of the gland makes up by far the
greater portion of the ejaculatorv mass
at the time of the orgasm. The secre-
tion of the prostate like the testis, con-
tinues while the receptacles and ducts
are empty. Disease of the prostate ma-
terially affects this.

The precision of the normal functions
of this gland acting in harmonv with the
promptings of other venereal organs, as-
sures to the owner immunity from
knowledge of tts presence. Hut this
organ is subjected to many artificial and
unnatural abuses. Its lower bourder is

within one and a half to two inches
from the anus, and in a normal condition
weighs but four drachms, but in disease
may enlarge to a weight of ninety
drachms. In most instances it com-
pletely surrounds the urethra at the neck
of the bladder. The three divisions of
the gland, which are almost always
present, lie between the urethra and the
rectum. Xo tissue of any moment pro-
tects the prostate from the urethra and
bowel. The recto-vesical pouch is four
inches above the anus, and unless the
gland is greatly enlarged it is in no way
concerned with this fold of peritoneum.
In all conditions of a distended rectum
the prostate is pressed and encroached
upon. The folds of mucous membrane
in the rectum are subjected to thickning
and ulceration. Such disturbance alters
the physiological function of the prostate.
Piles, strictures of the bowel and fistulae
are likewise contributory causes. Fis-
sure of the anus and diseased or irritable
rectal pouches are disturbing elements.
Constipation with impacted feces en-
courage the formation of a reservoir of
the rectum and therefore pressure is made
upon the gland. These are a few of the
diseases of the rectum that materially
have some bearing on the etiology of dis-
eased prostates, and which were practi-
cally unknown to the primeval races.
Yerv few of us reach fifty years of age
without some acquaintance with the rec
turn introduced to our senses by some
form of disease.

The urethra is an organ of much unnat-
ural interference. Stricture of the urethra
narrows the channel and burdens the
bladder in greater contraction to expel
its contents. This strain has its effect
upon the neck of the bladder, distending
it and encroaching upon the prostate.
Every effort at micturating has its ma-
lign influence here. Gonorrhea is a
potent factor, especially when the pros-
tatic urethra is involved. Repeated uses

1666

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

of the sound disturbs the prostate.
Venery, greatly over-indulged in, is the
great parent of pathological prostates.
It is in the prostatic urethra that we find
the primary cause of many cases of impo-
tency. The nerves that come down and
preside over the ducts of the seminal
receptacles and prostate are ever prone
to abuse. A diseased prostate, by
mechanical interference against the
nerves of this region may keep up a con-
stant irritation. Due to this, an in-
creased flow of blood is encouraged, and
congestion ensuing to all the adjacent
organs, the prostate is in turn the
greatest sufferer.

Strictures of the urethra and other dis-
eases of the urinary tract, together with
the affections of the rectum, should be
cleared away with the least possible dis-
turbance. I mean by disturbance, that
the knife should be used with the great-
est possible caution in the cure of these
troubles. Relief should be prompt as
possible, but the knife is not the only
recource. Now, after all else is satisfac-
torily done, the prostate deserves the
undivided attention. But most often
when these contributing troubles are all
cleared up, there yet remains a troubled
prostate. The patient complains of
throbbing, especially at night, heat, pul-
sating, weight, muscular movements,
nervous uneasiness, fullness, fatigue, a
mental unrest. There may be an over-
stimulation of the procreative organs, or
a diminution, or even a complete aboli-
tion of the sexual desires. The desires
may remain and the power for erection
be gone. There may be feeble erections
and precipitate semen. All of these may
be the direct result of an over-distended
pmtate. What shall we do with this
hypertrophy? It has been the study of
tin- ages. Old age does not necessarily
mean an enlarged gland. Persons con-
tinent through the earlier periods of life,

and those having escaped the popular

diseases, go into the eighties without any
hypertrophy whatever. Much has been
said upon this subject of natural hyper-
trophy in old age. But I am sure that
obedience to natural laws leads man up-
and onward without calling for remission
in any particular, of any organ. So nat-
ural are the dispensations that the ideal
is sometimes seen. The body as a whole
moves in unison with its parts. It is
physiological for an organ to slowly sur-
render, if done, in harmony with the ebb
and flow of Nature's laws. Its lapsing
functions should cause no physical jar
nor mental disquiatude.

Treatment of hypertrophy of the pros-
tate gland is far from being satisfactorily
done. Medicine has utterly failed,
whether used internally, locally or
hyperdermatically. Electricity has al-
ways offered the greatest hope. Surgery
with the knife alone, is not a success.
Six modes of operation are practiced
with the electric current: First: The
galvano-cautery sound, wdiich is intro-
duced to the prostatic uretha must cau-
terize the tissue in situ, and by one or
two successive breaks, and in twTo or
more places. The tissues are seared, but
the patient scarcely, if at all, feels pain
So little local disturbance is elicited that
there is no after effect appreciable. The
treatment must be repeated a few times
after a few weeks of intervening rest.
Second: Bottini's rapid method at one
seance. In this operation the cautery
is thrust through the offending portion
of the prostate and direct into the blad-
der. Third: Combination of suprapubic
cystotomy and galvano-cautery has
reached its perfection in the surgical
skill of Belfield and Hunter- McGuire.
The operation simply consist- in remov-
ing the gland in situ by galvano-cautery
through the superpubic opening. Fourth :
Electrolysis with weak currents. Fifth:
Electrolysis by strong currents, by which
15 milla, and sometimes 70m., may be

THE AMERICA iV X-RAY JOURNAL.

1067

used. Encouraging reports are reported
by Massey. The active pole, which is
the negative one , is placed over the pros-
tate in the uretha, while the indifferent
pole is placed in the perineum. This
treatment is done twice a week, while
daily application of the negative pole to
the prostate through the rectum is done
with the positive pole over the abdomen
The treatment is complicated by using
the faradic current immediately follow-
ing the galvanic application through the
uretha. Zinc or tin electrodes are used.
Sixth : Galvano-puncture consists in
plunging a platinum needle into the
body of the prostate, the positive elec-
trode placed over the abdomen to com-
plete the circuit.
301 Chemical Building.

Origin of Cancer.

This was the subject of a communication
sent to the Chelsea Clinical Society.
March 25, by Dr. J. G. Adami of Montreal.
We desire to record the points herein
made, because they are in accord with the
best informed persons upon this subject.
It is especially useful to readers of the
American X-Ray Journal, for the}- are
doing work with the x-ra3Ts for the cure of
cancer.

He said: "From a study of the syney-
tionia malignum, it might be legitimately
deduced that there existed one form of
tumor of highly malignant tj-pe, in which
the infiltrating cells were not those of the
organism itself, but were derived from
another organism. The infiltrative and
invasive properties of these cells were not
a new aquirement, but were an exaltation
of properties normally possessed by them,
or, more exactly, under normal conditions
it was observed that there was an inter-
action of two forces— one the invasive
properties of these cells, and the other the
protective properties of the surrounding
maternal tissues, by which interaction the
extent of invasion of the cells was strictly
limited to the placental side. Dr. Adami's
view was that the development of the syn-
cytioma malignum must therefore be at-

tributed to either an increase in the inva-
sive properties of the syncytial cells or to
a lessened resistance on the part of the
maternal tissues, or a combination of the
two. It was concluded, therefore, that if
microparasites played any part in the pro-
duction of the tumor that it must be either
by exalting the infiltrative powers of the
one, or by lowering the resistant powers of
the other. Dr. Adami pointed out that proof
positive of the existence of such specific
microparasites was still wanting, and in
its absence he found it difficult to conceive
how specific microparasites could bring
about those results.

The prevalent conception of cancer para-
sites, as existing within the cancer cells,
involved the idea of malignant growths
being the product of parasites acting with-
in parasites, because, as shown by the
study of syncytioma malignum, the tumor
cells themselves were essentially parasitic
in the organism.

In short, according to Dr. Adami, if the
present popular idea was traced to its legi-
timate conclusion, the most that could be
said for it was as the association of para-
sitic ideas might already have occurred to
some, that the theory was in harmony
with the great generalization of the poet
who wrote that

Greal lira - have little fleas upon their backs to bite them-
And little fleas have lesser fleas, and so on ad infinitum.

Dr. Adami wished to know if that gener-
alization was also to be applied to explain
the action of pathogenic bacteria. In the
long-continued action of microparasites
he was willing to recognize a process
which might, like other modes of stimula-
tion, initiate aberrant and neoplastic cell
growth, but be5rond that point he con-
tended that they seemed to be asked to
contemplate a most extraordinary condi-
tion of affairs.

The parasitic theory of the origin of can-
cer presents to many earnest and keen
investigators so large a number of diffi-
culties that, before being accepted as the
true cause, a quantity of unsolved points
must be made clear.

The progress towards this end has, of
late, been by no means rapid.

The increase, however, in the facilities
for cancer research in various countries of
the world gives rise to the hope that the
final unraveling of its mysteries may not
be far distant.

1 068

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

History of a Case of Unrec-
ognized Fracture of
the Radius.

R\ Paul F. Fletcher, late A. A.
Surgeon U. S. Army.

On March 12th of the present year, a
young lady consulted me regarding pecu-
liar, fugitive pains of the left arm and
forearm. On questioning, the following
history was elicited: Ten years ago, while
riding on a sled, she was thrown to the
ground, and in attempting to protect her
body, injured her left wrist. The family
physician was immediately summoned,
and after an examination, declared the in-
jury a sprain. He applied a dressing,
placed the member in a sling and at the
end of three weeks discharged the patient.

Soon after the removal of the dressing,
the young woman experienced ill-defined,
fugitive, yet persistent pain in the radial
side of the fore-arm and hand, also at the
posterior aspect of the humerus near the
musculo-spiral groove.

The physician who had attended her be-
fore was again called, and after an exami-
nation, pronounced the condition one of
partial paralysis, due to some affection of
the radial nerve. At this time the patient
observed great difficulty in manipulating
the hand, and frequently dropped articles
after grasping them.

The surgeon in attendance applied a
plaster cast which was maintained for a
long period— just how long I do not know—
and during the time it remained in posi-
tion, no pain was suffered. On the removal
of the cast, pain and discomfort returned,
and another surgeon was consulted. He
advanced a diagnosis of synovitis of the
wrist point, and placed a cast on the pain-
ful forearm and hand. The same relief of
pain was noted, and when the cast was re-
moved, it returned with the same degree
of intensity.

At this time some one recommended
that she consult the osteopathists at
Kirksville. This was done, and a diagno-
sis of curvature of the spine in the region
of the seventh cervical vertebra, was made.
Osteopathic measures were followed for a
short time, and then becoming discouraged,
the patient abandoned this treatment and

consulted me. I was as unsuccessful in
reaching a diagnosis as my colleagues,
but favored a diagnosis of synovitis. A
cast was again applied, temporarily, and
the patient advised to submit herself to
the x-ray. This was consented to, a radio-
graph made, and lo! a fractnre site with a
resultant spur of bone was discovered at
the external and posterior aspect of the
radius, five centimeters from the apex of
the styloid process.

Operation was counseled and yielded to.
Patient was taken to a hospital, and an in-
cision made near the posterior surface of
the radius, and the tissues separated down
to the periosteum. On reaching the deeper
tendons, that of the extensor carpi radialis
longior was found adherent to the osseous
spur. This spur was devoid of periosteum,
or osteoncus, which had penetrated the
tendon sheath and substance. The inflam-
matory deposit was extensive and had
resulted in adhesion over a considerable
area. These were broken up, the radialis
longior tendon released and the spur chis-
eled from its bed, flush with the normal
line of the shaft. The periosteum was
then drawn over the denuded area and
sewn with fine cat-gut, and the muscular
structures permitted to resume their nor-
mal positions.

The integument was sutured with silk-
worm gut and a skin suture of fine car-
bolized cat- gut introduced. Union by first
intention was secured.

The patient left the hospital in eight
days. All pain, which before the operation
was constant and occasionally of great
paroxyismal intensity, has disappeared.

In performing this operation, I avoided
disturbing muscular structures where pos-
sible, without exposing a much more
extensive area of bone surface and inter-
fering with the attachments of the Pronator
Quadratus. I could not trace the fracture
line to discover the course of the line of
union. Superficially it appeared to be a
Colles' fracture, yet, from the absence of
much deformity, I am inclined to believe
the injury to have been a greenstick fract-
ure. (Radiograph of case on 2d page.)

st. Louis, Mo

"A Pictorial System of Instruction," the
new and most invaluable work of Monell's,
contains no part of the matter of his former
works. All x-ray workers should have it.

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

1069

X-Ray Prophecy.

Sometimes when you become familiar
with a subject that is quite unknown to the
many, it is easy to make a good guess
that seems prophetic to others if it comes
true. Readers of The American X-Ray
Journal will remember four years ago we
predicted that no work on surgery would
sell that ignored the x-rays. The predic-
tion was treated with silent contempt.
What about the works that have appeared?
We predicted that successful operators
and skin specialists would be compelled to
use the rays or go out of business. They
laughed at the suggestion. How is it? It
is like a stampede now. They are all fall-
ing over each other to get there. Five
years ago there were but three houses in
America that made static machines, al-
though electro-therapeutics was largely
taught in special schools. Now, there are
more than 25 manufacturing houses, some
of whom like Van Houten & Ten Broeck,
Waite & Bartlett Manufacturing Co.,
Mcintosh Battery and Optical Co., R. W.
Wagner Manufacturing Co. , Electro-Thera-
peutic Manufacturing Company, and others
that can not keep up with the demand for
x-ray machines.

We made investigations of 120 medical
colleges on this continent, and not one of
these, two years ago taught x-ray ther-
apy. We predict now, that within four
years, not an accredited medical school in
America will be without a professor of
radio-therapy. Don't forget this.

Treatment of Epithetical Skin-Can-
cers and Sycosis Non-Parsi-
tica with the X-Ray.

J. F. Rinehart speaks of the advan-
tages of the treatment of these cases by
the x-ray. It gives no pain, there is
but little scar tissue left after the sore
has healed, and there is the possibility
of a more thorough eradication of the
disease, as the effect of the rays is to
destroy all the cancer cells within the
area exposed. He reports a number of
cases which illustrate the success of this

treatment. It is best not to be in too
great a hurry to obtain the reaction lest
too much inflamation be caused. There
is a great difference in skins as to their
ability to withstand the x-ray. It is
best to begin with a five-minute expo-
sure at six or eight inches and try that
for a day or two, and if no reaction is
obtained, increase the time of exposure
till the desired effect is produced.

This abstracted matter briefly points
out a procedure that is quite correct and
is imitated by all good operators. In
diseases that are amenable to ordinary
medication they differ in different
subjects and require different modes
of procedure to effect a cure. In x-ray
therapy this must be observed.

We are glad of the interest the better
medical journals are now taking in x-ray
literature.

The American X-Ray Journal
two years ago predicted that every wri-
ter of a work on surgery that failed to
give ample space to the importance of
the x-ray, would have practically no sale.
It has proven so.

Dr. Charles Warren Allen reports 13
cases of cancer under his care, and all of
these are improving. One of his patients
was a physician suffering with cancer of
the rectum.

Carl Beck in his paper, entitled "Differ-
entiation between Inflammatory Processes
and Neoplasms of the Bones by the Roent-
gen Rays," says that many limbs have
been sacrificed by unnecessary amputation,
and many lives lost by deferred amputa-
tion, on account of errors in differentiating
the various inflammatory processes from
the growths of the bones and joints.

The x-rays have opened entirely new
fields in this sphere, and in many cases
the Roentgen rays give positive informa-
tion.

Owners of x-ray machines, who desire
to be up-to-date in x-ray work should read
the American X-Ray Journal. Have
you subscribed ? Why not ?

1070

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

X-Ray Divergence Chart.

SUPPLEMENT To

A System of Instruction in X-Ray
Methods and Medical Uses of
Light, Hot-Air, Vibration
and High Frequency
Currents.
By S. H. MONELL, M. D.
Students of X-Ray work should study
this chart reproduced on the front cover of
this Journal.

This chart shows at a glance the follow-
ing points of essential interest to the
X-Ray operator: —

1. A Plane Diagram of X-light radia-
tions from the a?iode focus-point.

2. The rate of departure of X-Rays from
a parallel path at different distances from
the tube.

3. The proportionate loss of right-angle
shadows at different distances horizontal
to the perpendicular axis.

X-Ray Narrative.

The series of articles under this head-
ing are being written by Dr. Fred S.
O'Hara of Springfield. 111. The articles
are written for the benefit of physicians
operating x-ray machines. On account
of inability of physicians to receive the
proper instruction in this branch of the
science and art, or in other words, the
diagnostic and therapeutical uses of the
x-rays, these articles are written. They
are interesting to all readers, but doubly
so to those wishing clearer understand-
ing of radiotherapy and correct methods
of irradiation. They are alluring to a
tired doctor whose services in the general
field of practice have worn off the nural
sheath. In these articles we find the
awakening of green spots in the mental
domain. The plan is to take up tired na-
ture, and while repasting on vivid ideas,
con sume modes and methods of doing ac-
curate x-ray work. Like Oliver Wendell
Holmes. William A. Hammond and
Wier Mitchell, so Fred S. O'Hara in-
clines to the literary entertaining in
teaching. He is a young man with a rare
talent. Those who follow him will
weigh more in the scale of knowledge.

4. The area of non-distorted field of ob-
servation at anj- distance from the tube.

5. The area within which a body of any
thickness will shadow a right-angled rela-
tion of the parts at a given distance from
the tube.

6. The distance from the tube at which
a part and the photographic plate must be
exposed to secure essential correctness
and non-distortion for a diagnostic field of
any given size.

7. The general area of approximate non-
distortion on the plate.

8. The obliquit5' of shadows at all dis-
tances outside of the central field of exact
perpendicularity of radiation.

The scale of the Chart reads down from
the focus -point of the tube to an imaginary
plate twenty inches distant. For greater
distances, extend the indicated lines below
the Chart, and apply the same rule of in-
terpretation. For full explanatory descrip-
tion see Chapter XVIII.

Roentgen Society of America.

The regular meeting of the Roentgen
Society of America will convene in
Chicago, December 10th to 11th.
The local Committee are :
Dr. Ralph R. Campbell.

414 Marquette Building.
Dr. John B. Murphy.

Reliance Building.
Dr. Louis E. Schmidt.

424 North State Street.
Dr. L. M. Harris. Chicago.
Dr. W. L. Baum, 103 State Street.
Dr. H. C. Axthoxy.

465 Dearborn Avenue.
Dr. W. A. Pussy.

Columbus Medical Bid. , Chicago.

An x-ray apparatus in the hands of one
not able to use it properly is a cumbersome
and expensive luxur>\ The new work of
Monell's "A Pictorial System of In-
struction," will teach any ordinary mind
practical uses of the machine.

Dr. Reginald reports an old case of
Lupus Vulgaries, which was repeatedl}'
cut and scraped, with the local application
of the usual remedies, had resulted in no
improvement, until the x-ray was resorted
to.

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL,

1071

Radium.

Reference made in the following- obser-
vations to diagnostic possibilities of radium
in eye disease is not altogether new. It
should be noted that in using- radium
fluorescing- surfaces are not used But the
points made have no advantage over the
screen under the x-rays. We examined
several hundred cases of blind and partially
blind persons in 1896. There is a way to
determine the degree of blindness, when
due to atrophy of the optic nerve, by the
x-rays. These observations of ours were
widely published, at the time, all over the
world.

Javal makes an interesting communica-
tion to the Gazette des Hopitax Civils et
Militaires, April 17, 1902, concerning the
curious properties of the new metal, radi-
um, discovered and studied by Mr. and
Mine. Currie. In the dark this metal emits
a light which is peculiar in itself, which is
not phosphorescence, and which is distinct
from Roentgen rays, although bearing a
certain analogy to the latter. The rays
from this metal traverse opaque bodies
and produce physiological effects. Currie
thinks that these properties could be
utilized to discover if the optic nerve in
the blind is absolutely atrophied, and if,
accordingly, all hope should be abandoned
of the recovery of sight. Javal cites
several instances in which certain blind
patients could perceive the glinuner of
radium. In others, on the contrary, there
were no perception of its light. This metal
is still extremely rare. It is prepared in
the form of the chloride.

Surgical Operation in the Old

is referred to in the Radiance Medical
Jour?ial by Dr. J. C. Sexton. The doctor
contends that it's disease, not years, that
makes people old. In surgical operations
shock is not a great factor. The loss of
*blood is. It is not necessary to produce
deep narcosis in old people for the extreme
sensibility of the nervous system incident
to the prime of life seems dulled in old age.
Old people can endure a great deal - of
surgical infliction. The observation is
worthy of thoughtful consi-deratior .

At the meridian of life the greatest
tendency occurs for the gtowth of canc^r^.^
For women this is the most critical period.

Scarcely is there a hospital that does not
have cases under surg-ical care for cancer.
But a lessening of this variety of cases is
noted day by day. Instead of surgery. the
cases are being successfully treated with
the x-rays. Surg-ery finds this fruitful field
diminishing-. We predict the ultimate
restoration of cancerous cases without
shock, by the benign system of radio
theraphy.

Dr. J. Rudis-Jicinsky reports two cases
of Intestinal Obstruction, diagnosed by
the x-ray.

We are glad to see some of our medical friends in
old St. Louis awakening to the uses of the x-rays. Some
of them are being provided with useful apparatus, and
we trust they will not stop short of learning how to
make the best use of them.

At a recent meeting of the Vienna Soci-
ety of Physicians, Dr. Schiff and Dr.
Freund presented an interesting paper, on
Depilation by High-Tension Electric Cur-
rents.

Have Yom Got It '?

Not $300, not $200, not $150 for an 8 -plate, but

$125.00 GASH,

for a High Grade Perfection

16-pliite mm.

Western Surgical Instrument House,

647-653 W. 5t>i» &t„ Chicago, 111,

HI

ADVERTISEMENTS.

C

L

E

N

E

f

I notice in the advertisement of the manufacturers of
Mica Plate Machines that they claim that two revolving
Mica Plates are equal to ten revolving glass plates in a
Static Machine.

I am ready to make the test to prove to the contrary :
that two Mica Plates will not give the same amount of
current that ten glass plates of equal size will give.

I will meet in competition the manufacturers of the
Mica Plate Machine in Chicago, or in New York City, in
the presence of a body of Medical and Scientific Electri-
cians to decide upon the merits of the machines, and will
furthermore prove that a machine with two glass plates,
same size as two Mica Plates, will equal and do more and
better work, (x-ray or otherwise), under same conditions,
than a Mica Plate Machine can do.

This advertised statement has been heretofore unchal-
lenged, and I now give them (the manufacturers of the
Mica Plate) the opportunity to prove the same and have it
settled which is the most efficient in actual practice.

HEINRV E. WAITE, M. D.,

President, WAITE <f BARTLETT MEG. CO.,

10» Bast 33d Street,

NEW YORK CITY.

ADVERTISEMENTS.

)000000000000000000000000000000000000000000(

AN/EMI A

TYPHOID

CONSUMPTION

and all impoverished and depleted conditions yield to the heal-
ing and magical influence of

BOVININE

with wonderful rapidity and finality. Measure the increase of
red cells and haemoglobin in the blood as you proceed, and
g note improving strength and functions of your patient. In
o typhoid fever it is quickly absorbed and ass'milated without
g the slightest functional labor or irritation. It is a support and
rest to the stomach and intestines. A postal brings our scien-
tific treatise on "Haematherapy," with details of treatment in
all cases, and hundreds of clinical reports.

THE BOVININE CO.,

75 West Houston St., New York.

LEEMING MILES & CO., MONTREAL. . Sole Agents for the Dominion of Canada. 5
>OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOTOOOOOC>OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOo8

Every Static Machine

Should be kept dry so that
it will work at all times and
under ALL conditions.

How Can This Be Done?

U

SE AN ELECTRIC DRYER. Lessen the use of chemicals.
They all corrode the apparatus and injure the machine.
Electric Dryers are permanent, clean, and the output of the ma-
chine is made constant and regular.
They are cheap.

Made especially for Static Machines to fit all designs.
Work on any incandescent light current.
State voltage in all cases when ordering.
Address

EMERGENCY X-RAY CO., St. Louis, Mo

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

Mcintosh Battery and Optical Co.,

<>2 to 98 State Street, - - CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

ADVERTISEMENTS.

Preparation-Par excellence

fellows' Syrup of fiypopbospbites

CONTAINS

Hypophosphites of Iron, Quinine, Strychnine, Lime,
Manganese, Potash.

Each fluid drachm contains Hypophosphite of Strychnine
equal to l-64th grain of pure Strychnine.

Offers Special Advantages

in Anaemia, Bronchitis, Phthisis, Influenza, Neurasthenia, and during
Convalescence after exhausting diseases.

SPECIAL NOTE*— Fellows' Hypophosphites is Never Sold in Bulk, and is
advertised only to the Medical Profession. Physicians are cautioned against worthless
substitutes.

Medical Letters may be addressed to K
Literature of value upon application. MR. FELLOWS, 26 Christopher St., New York.

ADVERTISEMENTS.

BLOOD INTRODUCTION

In all anaemic, consumptive and dyspeptic pa-
tients, where there is a lack of ability to produce
good and sufficient blood, why not introduce it ?

BOVININE

is live blood — blood of fullness, energy and integ-
rity, arterial blood of the healthy bullock. It is
the physician's greatest auxiliary. Prepared by
cold process. Antiseptic and sterilized. Try it
per rectum when the stomach is unavailable. Try
it per sub-cutaneous Injection when collapse calls
for instantaneous blood supply. Send for our
scientific treatise on topical and internal adminis-
tration, and reports of hundreds of clinical cases.

THE BOVININE CO.,

75 West Houston St., New York.

Have YOU Seen

1

.THE

B. U. Cube
Regulator?*

For use with any apparatus.

Adjusts the Vacuum to any
devised degree and main-
tains it at such point
permanently.

Eliminates 95 per cent of the
danger of puncturing.

Enables one tube to do the
work of three.

Heavy Radiography with
short exposures.

BARIO VACUUM COMPANY,

106 East 23d Street

NEW YORK CITY.

THE AMERICAN X-RAY JOURNAL.

+

f
*

*

*
f
*

4-

%

f
*
*

!
%
%

*

t
f
+
+
f
f
+
*

IT HAS NO EQUAL

FOR EITHER

X-Ray or Therapeutic Work.

Mcintosh Improved Construction Sixteen-Plats Static Machine.

Our m Edition Catalogue

WILL BE MAILED FREE
TO ANY ADDRESS —

CONSULT US BEFORE PURCHASING

Static Machines, the Kinraide Coil, X-Ray Tubes,
BATTERIES AISD ELECTRODES.

Mcintosh Battery and Optical Co.,

39 West Randolph Street,

CHICAGO.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 4.**+**++**++*+++*+++****+*

This Book is due on the last date stamped
below. No further preliminary notice
will be sent* Requests for renewals must
be made on or before the date of expiration.

DUE

JON 7- 1950

FEB - 8 1983

M2

RETURNED

JU* 1-1950

A fine of t^£nt^fiye centsjwill be charged for
each week or fraction of a week the book is
retained without the Library's authorization.