Serbian inventor Nikola Tesla is widely recognized for his experimentations in the field of electromagnetism and radio waves. Basically thanks to him, today humanity bases its lifestyle on electrical energy and also laid the foundations for sending wireless signals. But perhaps one of his works that is least associated with him is his experiments with X-rays that were also part of his inventions and in fact, there is an iconic x-ray of one of his feet.
Tesla and X-rays
Tesla began experimenting with radiation energy at the end of the 19th century, specifically in the year 1894. During this time, the Serbian inventor built what he called ‘shadow graphs’, which was a high-energy vacuum tube that It ran on the output of a Tesla coil, his most recognized invention of all.
To test its operation, Tesla used the only model it had on hand; in addition. He turned on his shadow graphics camera and activated it while he exposed one of his feet to her. The result is certainly astonishing, since it practically reveals the inventor’s skeleton, along with the metal structure that made up his shoe. The metal tangles where the laces intersect are very evident in the X-ray photograph of Tesla. In addition, the way in which shoemakers shaped heels on the soles of their shoes is also revealed, with different nails to give support to the footwear.
Unfortunately, his studio was involved in a devastating fire in 1895, which destroyed a large part of Tesla’s inventions. It is possible that if this had not happened, Nikola would have been ahead of German physicist Wilhelm Röntgen, who published a comprehensive report on the use of X-rays. Had he not lost his research equipment, perhaps Tesla would now be recognized as the inventor of the X ray machine.
But Tesla was a man completely passionate about science and although Röntgen was recognized for the discovery of X-rays, he continued his experimentation in this regard. Later he was also able to get an x-ray image of his left hand exposed to X-rays. In fact, it was he who pointed out the benefits of using this type of technology for medical examination purposes.
He suggested its use in medicine
Noting that
And although at that time the potential harm of exposing oneself to radiation waves was not known, with experimentation Tesla gradually realized that the distance and time of exposure were crucial factors in keeping the human body safe from radiation. the consequences of X-rays.
Tesla has been one of the most prolific inventors in the history of technological development, he has more than 300 patents, although in his time not all were successful and the Serbian inventor died at the New Yorker hotel at the age of 86 in complete and in bankruptcy.