Archives West Finding Aid

Ed C. Jerman and the Victor X-Ray Corporation:

Ed. C. Jerman was a pioneer in the field of X-ray technology. In 1916, he began to train health care personnel in the handling and operation of X-ray equipment.

Jerman's idea of training people was a success. Jerman joined the Victor Company, the medical division of General Electric, in May 1918, as head of the educational department. He employed men and women to serve as demonstrators and trainers, and by 1924, 12 branches conducted five to seven-day classes throughout the nation.

Jerman wrote extensively on the subject, and Modern X-ray Technic, published in 1928, served as a textbook for X-ray technicians for many years. He directed the work of the educational department until his retirement in 1934.

Victor X-Ray Corporation:

"As early as 1893, C.F. Samms and J.B. Wantz founded the Victor Electric Company in Mr. Wantz's basement in Chicago. By 1896, they were producing electrostatic generators and electrotherapeutic devices. They acquired electrical manufacturers, such as McAleaster and Wiggins, the Snook Roentgen Company of Philadelphia, and others. By 1913, following the advent of the Coolidge "hot-cathode" high-vacuum tube, their reputation was such that they became the sole manufacturer and distributor of the Coolidge tube in the United States. The company was eventually acquired by General Electric in 1926, and by 1930 it had become the General Electric X-ray Corporation. The Victor Company of Chicago was held in such high regard that it became the foundation upon which the now existing General Electric Medical Systems was built."

Quote acquired from:

http://www.chi-rad-soc.org/illinois.html