OHSU Historical Collections & Archives (HC&A) is the owner of the original materials and digitized images in our collections, however, the collection may contain materials for which copyright is not held. Patrons are responsible for determining the appropriate use or reuse of materials. Consult with HC&A to determine if we can provide permission for use.
There are no restrictions on access. This collection is open to the public.
Kathy Arena acquired the slides in a garage sale in Bellevue, Washington and donated them to the OHSU HC&A on February 23, 2007.
The collection consists of four undated glass lantern slides that were possibly used by the Victor X-ray Corporation for sales presentations in the early 20th century. The images are titled: the birthplace of the x-ray, Wilhelm Conrad Roëntgen, a demonstration of an x-ray machine, and an x-ray of a child in a casket.
[Collection title], Collection Number [####-###], Oregon Health & Science University, Historical Collections & Archives.
No special equipment is needed to view the materials, although the slides may be shown on a glass lantern slide projector or light table.
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
"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
The following institutions contain archival collections related to X-Ray technology:
http://archive.is/X6uaz
http://archiveswest.orbiscascade.org/ark:/80444/xv72523