The herald., 1896-04-18
SHADOWGRAPHS In SURGERY.
Prof. Bull, DR.. Gibier and Other Noted
Specialists Discuss the Possibilities.
WILL xiRAYs HELP THE DOCTOR
Not Much at Present - But If Suc.
cessfuIIy Developed They May
Prove Of Inestimable Value,
and RevOlutiOnize Medi-
cal Science.

Prof. Bull, one of the most eminent
surgical authorities in America, who oc.
cupies the chair of surgery in the col
lege Of Physicians and Surgeons, has
hitherto refused to talk on the subject of
the new photography to any representa-
tives of the press. Finally, however. he
consented To answer certain questions
which | proposed. I explained that |
had no such glowing expectations as to
obtain from him his verdict as to the
value to medicine and surgery of Roent.
gems discovery in the present imma-
ture state of our knowledge. and before
opportunity had been given for thor
ough investigation.
AS usual" said Prof. Bull, 1.-The en-
tire civilized world has enthused over q
discovery, the beneficial results of which
to humanity are now only presumed.
am. however. of the opinion. that it will
take some time to develop this applica.
cation of * rays. At present the re-
suits attained do not promise anything
OF great value TO advanced surgery. OF
course, the shadowgraphs of hands
which are now exhibited everywhere,
may be made useful in some branches
Of the profession: bur III comparison
with the vast revelations which y ray
impressions of the brain, thorax. and
abdomen. would effect. only the rudi-
ments of the discovery have been reach
ed, thus far.
Take for instance case of appen-
dicitis. If | could get a Photographic
impression exhibiting the exact state of
Inflammation of the little yermiforln
appendix, also showing the situation of
whatever intestinal adhesions there
might he. and the quantity of pus in the
diseased appendix. l should be relieved
from much brain work and should feel
more positive of the minor details of
my diagnosis.
Applied to internal concerns. if the
different density Of certain conditions of
tissue should be manifested in the i'm
pressions on sensitive plates. surgeons
would cease to be puzzled in these cases;
at present certain degree of uncertain
ty is unavoidable. Such seems to be the
remote possibilities of the future devel-
opment of Roentgen's discovery; and if
all this is realized il will be the most
important knowledge ever placed at the
disposal of medical science. 1t might
then even be pronounced the first in
sight into the hidden mysteries Of life.
a guide to the future solution.
DR.. Paul Gibier. of the New York Pas
teur Institute, WAS also rather nouco;:i-
initial when | asked him to state his
or inion as TO the importance of Rocut-
gems discovery in its bearing upon niedi-
CO. science. DR. Gibier ranks nigh in
TIE most scientific departments of the
profession. both in consequence of his
long training under Pasteur in Paris and
from his own work. He said that he
had not as yet been able to see practical
demonstrations of the application of X
rays TO the human form in diseased con.
difiOns.
But how about the possiblities?"
asked.
"Ah--the possibilities-well. I should
say that they are very encouraging.
think the new rays have in them a po-
tency which may revolutionize medi-
cine and surgery: but the question is.
will man be able to master and direct