X-ray set, England, 1920-1923

Made:
1920-1923 in London
maker:
Newton and Wright Limited

X-ray set comprising fluoroscopic chest screening frame, couch with facility for fluoroscopy and x-ray photography, protective apron, power supply and control unit, by Newton and Wright Limited, London, England, 1920-1923, used until 1960.

Fluoroscopy allows X-rays to be viewed without taking and developing X-ray photographs. This X-ray machine doubles as a fluoroscopic chest screening frame. It is shown in a reconstruction of a 1930s X-ray room. The set also includes a control panel to set the dosage levels, and a screen to protect the radiographer. X-rays were discovered in 1895 by German physicist Wilhelm Röntgen (1845-1923). They allowed physicians their first look inside the body without surgery.

This X-ray machine was originally used at Westmorland County Hospital in Kendal, Cumbria, England. It was transferred to the private surgery in a doctor’s home in the 1940s. The machine was made by Newton & Wright Limited. It remained in use until the 1960s. It was probably quite unusual that physicians owned their own equipment. This was because the machines were expensive to buy and maintain. X-ray departments were rare in hospitals before the First World War. However, almost every hospital in the UK had one by the 1930s.

Details

Category:
Radiomedicine
Object Number:
1979-99
type:
x-ray machine
credit:
Wraith, F.

Parts

X-ray couch with integral tube stand

X-ray couch with integral tube stand

X-ray couch with integral tube stand, over-and under-couch tubes, variable speed Potter-Bucky diaphragm and fluorescent screen, by Newton and Wright Ltd., London, c.1923

Materials:
chrome steel , steel , shielding, lead and shielding, rubber
Object Number:
1979-99 Pt3
type:
x-ray couches
Part of X-ray set, England, 1920-1923

Part of X-ray set, England, 1920-1923

Rectifying valve no. Z8902

Object Number:
1979-99 Pt13
type:
x-ray machine