Thorascope x-ray unit, London, 1951-1960

'Thorascope' fluoroscopic x-ray unit, by General Radiological Ltd., 15/18 Clipstone Street, Great Portland Street, London, W1, England, 1951-1960.

The Thorascope is a fluoroscopic X-ray unit. It relieves the burden on busy hospital X-ray departments. It was most likely found in the consulting rooms of private practitioners or in tuberculosis screening centres. The Thorascope is a compact and self-contained machine. The controls are grouped on a single panel on the left of the fluorescent screen. Only one person is needed to operate the machine.

Fluoroscopic X-rays involved viewing images on a fluorescent screen instead of photographic film. The technique was used extensively in the early years of radiology. Using X-ray machines in tuberculosis centres allowed quick diagnosis and early treatment.