Couch for X-ray and electron therapy machine, England, 1955
- Made:
- 1955 in United Kingdom

Part of the 15MeV Linear Accelerator: couch, by Newton/Victor
The couch forms part of a ‘Linear Accelerator’: an X-ray apparatus used in cancer treatment. This couch example was the first of its type to operate above one million volts. It was used at St Bartholomew’s Hospital, pioneers in radiation therapy. Two different types of therapy are possible with the linear accelerator: X-ray or electron therapy. The machine targeted deep-seated tumours with a high intensity radiation beam (X-ray therapy) or treated superficial surface tumours with the electron beam (electron therapy). This caused minimal radiation to the surrounding tissue, preventing damage to healthy tissue. It was housed in a special basement treatment room over 12 metres below ground for maximum radiation protection. A moving floor meant patients could be positioned easily.
Details
- Category:
- Radiomedicine
- Object Number:
- 1978-248 Pt3
- type:
- patient's couch
- credit:
- St Bartholomew's Hospital
Cite this page
Rights
We encourage the use and reuse of our collection data.
Data in the title, made, maker and details fields are released under Creative Commons Zero
Descriptions and all other text content are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 licence
Download
Download catalogue entry as json
View manifest in IIIF viewer
Add to Animal Crossing Art Generator
Download manifest IIIF
Our records are constantly being enhanced and improved, but please note that we cannot guarantee the accuracy of any information shown on this website.