Welcome back to our blog series regarding the history of radiology! In our first blog, we covered the early days of medicine, and how this essential part of life came to be. The shift from the religious to the scientific was a significant one and had lasting impacts that laid the foundation for modern medicine.
Whether you need arthrography services, a bone density scan, an x-ray, MRI, or CT scan, our medical imaging center in your area is your top choice for all radiology services. Our team of radiographers is comprised of incredibly talented and trained specialists, all of whom are dedicated to best serving you. Call Touchstone Imaging to get started, or find a location near you online. And, in the meantime, learn more about how radiology came to be!
The Rise of Technology
The scientific method contributed full force to the progressive developments of the 19th century. These were the days of Darwin and Mendel, of cell theory and pathology. And of course, a breakthrough in the realm of medical technology, with advancements and tools that continue to be utilized today. In 1815, the first stethoscope was invented René Laënnec, giving medical professionals everywhere a quick and easy way to check the heartbeat and aid in diagnosis. By 1874, a British scientist started studying electrical impulses of the brain, which later contributed to the modern electroencephalogram (commonly known as the EEG).
The technologies during the 19th century were vast and varied—and not only limited to the medical world. But in terms of medical advancements and the x-ray, these inventions and discoveries were on their way.
The Turn of the Century
By the very end of the 19th century, history starts to see immense change, in ways that have had lasting impacts in every form of life. In 1895, Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen discovered how to take x-rays, which more or less shocked the world. This was considered unbelievable by so many, and in fact, the New York Times first reported to it as an “alleged discovery of how to photograph the invisible.”
In 1898, Marie Curie and her husband Pierre discovered the element radium, which further contributed to the developments of x-rays as we know them today. Specifically, Marie Curie was able to separate radium from radioactive substances, which allowed for more detailed studies of the material.
This developed into x-rays because the rays could pass through many surfaces—including the human body—and could cast shadows of solid objects. The discovery of x-rays eventually made its way into the medical profession, leading to more in-depth looks into the workings and mechanisms of the human body.
In today’s world, the x-ray is just one of many forms of radiology, all of which contribute to modern medicine as we know it. There once was a time when humanity thought illness and disease were supernatural phenomena, something that had to be cast away and that was brought on by evil forces. Nowadays, we know that disease and illness and bacteria are a part of life but are something medical professionals and researchers work tirelessly to understand and manipulate. To think of the progression from our earliest ancestors, all the way to the invention of x-rays is nothing short of marvelous.
The best part of these medical advancements can be found in the imaging services offered at Touchstone Imaging. From arthrography to x-rays, from ultrasounds to bone density scans, MRIs, and CT scans, you can find the expertise and professionalism you deserve at our medical imaging clinic. Serving Texas, Colorado, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Florida, and Arkansas for over 25 years, our story is like that of modern medicine—dedicated to helping others, and being at the forefront of science and technology. Find everything you need in radiology services from Touchstone Imaging—we look forward to working with you!