health should have them radiographed systematically when very young and at various stages in their growth. These regular inspections will reveal, long before it becomes apparent otherwise, rickets, leprosy, tuberculosis, or syphilis of the bones, Paget's disease, osteomalacia, bony tumors, dislocations, arthritis, gout, flat foot, rheumatism, hip disease, spinal disease, and a score of other more or less common troubles. At all ages the human being is exposed to the introduction of foreign substances into his body, either by natural entrances or through penetration of the skin. The infant swallows pieces of money or other small objects in his play; the adult accidentally swallows a variety of tiny things, and besides is very much more likely than is the infant to be struck by a projectile or to cut himself with bits of metal or of glass. The radiograph, and in special cases the radioscope, discovers these foreign bodies; metroradiography locates them exactly and insures their easy and safe extraction. Splinters of bone, detached bits of cartilage and tendon, growths in the muscles, intestines, renal and other calculi may also be mentioned among foreign bodies that embarrass the human organism, and which can be located through the agency of the X rays. In heart troubles radiography and metroradiography furnish most valuable indications. But in this case the radioscope, which allows the observer to follow the movements of the organ, has an exceptional. and unequaled value. In examining the lungs, however, to discover tuberculosis, phthisis, pulmonary sclerosis, and pleuritic affections the radiograph alone gives delicate and certain indications. It reveals pulmonary tuberculosis long before any symptoms are seen, and often early enough to permit a cure. The radiograph gives clear images of certain abscesses, and shows exactly the extent and limits of any necessary operation. As to the state of the teeth and maxillary bones of children and adults it furnishes information of great importance, especially in cases of dental anomalies, abscess, abnormal growth, the cause of certain neuralgias, etc. Finally, for several years past the X rays have been used in the treatment of certain maladies such as lupus, acne, cancer, and even of tuberculosis, and have generally seemed to have a helpful influBut this last utilization, which naturally implies an exact appreciation of the character of the rays, is a matter to which physicians have not given enough care, since they have employed them without sufficient data as to their curative power. ence. |