History of Radiology

The chronology of radiology history begins with Wilhelm Rontgen’s discovery of the X-ray in 1895 and continues through the 1920s, 1930s, 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s. Patients underwent rather intrusive testing during this time, and awareness of the risks posed by radiation was expanding. The 1970s are referred to as the “golden decade” of radiology because of the new opportunities and discoveries made possible by the CT scanner, which were expanded upon in the 1980s and 1990s.

With an emphasis on radiology, radiography, radiotherapy, radiobiology, medical physics, and diagnostic imaging, each decade is broken down into topics of interest.

Relevant material from the BJR, our premier publication, chosen by Dr. Adrian Thomas.