PROGKESS IN RADIOGRAPHY. 161 



health should have them radiographed systematically •when very 

 young and at various stages in their growth. These regular inspec- 

 tions will reveal, long before it becomes a[)parent otherwise, rickets, 

 leprosy, tuberculosis, or syphilis of the bones, Paget's disease, osteoma- 

 lacia, 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 swal- 

 lows 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 men- 

 tioned among foreign bodies that eml)ari'ass the human organism, 

 and which can be located through the agenc}'' 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 ractiograph 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 fur- 

 nishes information of great impoi-tance, especially in cases of dental 

 anomalies, abscess, al)normal growth, the cause of certain neural- 

 gias, 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 influ- 

 ence. But this last utilization, which naturally implies an exact 

 appreciation of the character of the rays, is a matter to which i)hy- 

 sicians have not given enough care, since they have employed them 

 without sufficient data as to their curative power. 



