240 Applied Biophysics 



exposure, using 50 milligrams of radium. The question arises, 

 in view of the fact that the technical methods are practically 

 identical, as to why this wide disparity of doses continues to 

 operate. If the bigger dose is indeed necessary, how is it that 

 97% of the menopausal cases cited by Hurdon remained well 

 without further treatment? On the other hand, if the shorter 

 exposure is adequate, what ]:»urpose is served by a more severe 

 one? 



Technical Methods in the Future 



The methods which have been most highly developed tech- 

 nicially up till now are the methods developed in the use of the 

 gram units and in the use of radon ; both big and small quantities 

 call foi* specialization in design and management. 



Advances in pure science in the last 15 years have shown 

 the feasibility of making ordinary substances radio-active, and 

 the time may soon be at hand when these will be used in medical 

 treatment as well as in research. Advances in applied science 

 during the last year have drawn attention to the possibilities 

 of using atomic power on a more liberal scale than we have so 

 far enjoyed. Mere power, however, has not the first claim in 

 the selective list of requirements among radiotherapists ; what 

 is primarily wanted is some form of energy which will give a 

 wider margin of response between normal and malignant tissues, 

 and at the same time be easily adapted to the purely technical 

 demands of those called upon to treat malignant growths in any 

 part of the body. 



