Plaque commemorating Roentgen's discovery of x-rays in 1895
Object No. 2008/66/1
This plaque was donated to the Powerhouse Museum to celebrate the centenary of Roentgen's discovery of X-rays in 1895. Since their discovery X-rays have been used as a diagnostic tool in a number of fields, most importantly in medicine. While there are now many other forms of medical imaging, X-ray radiography remains one of the the most important medical diagnostic tools. Computed tomography (CT scanning) is a widely used imaging method that employs X-rays. Roentgen (the Anglicised version of Röntgen), born in 1845 at Lennep, Germany, was a physicist whose work was primarily concerned with gases and crystalline substances. However, his name is universally associated with the discovery of the radiation that Roentgen called X-rays. While Roentgen was studying electric currents and their passage through gases at low pressure, he discovered that a photographic plate in a drawer close to where he was conducting his experiments had been exposed. Upon developing it he found that the image of a key he had placed on the desk was imprinted on it, and to a lesser degree, the desk itself. Roentgen experimented further with this discovery, taking an X-ray photograph of his wife's hand that clearly showed the bones of her fingers. This was the first X-ray image ever taken. Roentgen called the radiation that had this effect 'X' rays because X is the symbol for the unknown in mathematics and the nature of the radiation was not understood at the time. Roentgen published papers on X-rays, and his work was continued by many others. He won the 1901 Nobel Prize for physics and died in 1923 from carcinoma of the intestine. The plaque features portraits in relief of Roentgen, Henri Becquerel, Marie Curie, and her husband Pierre Curie. Becquerel and the Curies were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1903 in recognition of the extraordinary services rendered by their discovery of spontaneous radioactivity. Much of their work was influenced by Roentgen's discovery of X-rays. Marie Curie was the first woman to be awarded the Nobel Prize, the first woman to gain a PhD in France, and the first female professor at the University of Paris. The gift of this plaque is significant for the Powerhouse Museum's Health and Medicine collection as it was offered to the Museum by the daughter of Dr W R Bennett, whose bequest enabled the acquisition of a collection of radiology equipment and associated items from the Royal Australasian College of Radiologists. This invaluable historical collection includes X-ray machines, X-ray tubes, X-ray tables, screens, other medical imaging equipment, manuals and other supporting documentation, covering the period 1900-1990 (Powerhouse Museum object number 96/269). Damian McDonald Assistant Curator, Science, Technology and Industry January 2008
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Summary
Object Statement
Plaque, commemorating the centenary of Roentgen's discovery of X-rays in 1895, wood / metal / synthetic fabric, maker unknown, place of production unknown, presented by the Estate of Robert Bennett, 1995
Physical Description
Plaque, commemorating the centenary of Roentgen's discovery of X-rays in 1895, wood / metal / synthetic fabric, marker unknown, presented by the Estate of Robert Bennett (1927-1994) in 1995 Commemorative plaque consisting of two copper-coloured metal plates mounted on a lacquered wooden backing. A circular plate features portraits in relief of the scientists Roentgen, Becquerel, Marie Curie and Pierre Curie, along with their names and signatures. Beneath the relief is a rectangular plate which bears the words 'To commemorate the centenary of Roentgen's discovery of the X-rays in 1895. Presented by the Estate of Robert Bennett (1927 - 1994)'. The reverse side of the plaque is covered in a blue synthetic fabric, with two brass hanging devices attached.
DIMENSIONS
Height
350 mm
Width
245 mm
Depth
30 mm
PRODUCTION
Notes
The plaque was produced in 1995 to commemorate the centenary of Roentgen's discovery of X-rays in 1895. Two plaques where produced: one for the Powerhouse Museum, and one for the Royal Australasian College of Radiologists. The two institutions received a generous bequest from the Estate of Robert Bennett, the father of the donor, for the development of their radiological collections.
HISTORY
Notes
As well as commemorating the discovery of X-rays, this plaque, presented to the Powerhouse Museum in 1996, is linked to an important collection of X-ray equipment that is a significant record of the development of medical imaging technology in the 100 years after X-rays were discovered in 1895, and contains irreplaceable links in the chain of technology. Australia has made a significant contribution to the development of X-ray technology through research, use, and manufacture of equipment. The material culture of that historical development is documented in this collection.
SOURCE
Credit Line
Gift of the Estate of Robert Bennett, 2008
Acquisition Date
4 April 2008
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