Experimental Clinical Research Work with X-ray Voltages Above 500,000

Abstract

DURING the Summer of 1930, the writer was invited by Dr. R. A. Millikan and Dr. C. C. Lauritsen, of the California Institute of Technology, to inspect the high voltage X-ray tube installation at the Institute. Dr. Lauritsen, who had been experimenting with the 1,000,000-volt transformer set at the Institute, had succeeded in building a large X-ray tube of glass through which 5 ma. of current operated successfully at 750,000 volts. This equipment, which was designed for physical research purposes only, had been in successful operation for many months. It occurred to Dr. Lauritsen that the radiation produced by this tube might have some biologic effect which could be utilized in the treatment of disease. Because the writer was much impressed by Dr. Lauritsen's achievement, he suggested, after consultations with Dr. Millikan and Dr. Lauritsen, that he be permitted to put the tube to clinical tests. After investigating further and advising with the writer's own clinical associates. Dr. Costolow and Dr. Meland...