Simple Radiographic Methods for the Localisation of Foreign Bodies

Abstract

Before entering into a description of some simple radiographic methods for the localisation of foreign bodies I feel that some explanation for the choice of the subject is due to you. On September 28, 1938, the date which is now referred to as the day of the crisis, I received the following telegram: “Can you let us have by return of post article on Localisation as simple and practical as possible. Propose bringing this out as special number if necessary. Kerley.” There may be some who would ask: “What is the need, in these days of high explosives, for an account of methods of localisation of such foreign bodies as bullets and pieces of shrapnel in the human frame, when we are more likely to be required to locate the position of human bodies in the mass of wreckage?” My answer is, that as long as there appears to be any call for such weapons as Bren guns, there will be a need for the methods I am about to describe. Some of my colleagues may question the wisdom of presenting such a subject to a mixed audience of non-medical and medical members. I have no qualms, for the methods I practise as a radiologist I learnt before I was medically qualified. The reason why such a telegram was sent to me may not be so obvious.