130 Years of X-Rays
How Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen’s discovery transformed medicine forever
Exactly 130 years ago, the German physicist Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen made a scientific breakthrough that revolutionized medical diagnostics: the discovery of X-rays, which now bear his name. What began as a chance observation during physics experiments quickly developed into one of the most influential innovations in modern medicine.
One of the most famous moments of this discovery is the very first X-ray image in history: the hand of Röntgen’s wife Bertha – complete with her wedding ring. This image revealed what had previously been invisible and demonstrated the enormous potential of the new technology.
Röntgen’s discovery laid the foundation for radiological diagnostics as we know it today. Whether it’s bone fractures, joint injuries, lung conditions, or many other diseases, without this technology numerous diagnoses would be far more difficult or delayed.
Over the past decades, X-ray technology has continued to evolve, but its origin 130 years ago remains a milestone that has profoundly shaped modern medicine.
Image: Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen, public domain via Wikipedia
