The Effect of X-rays on Bacteria in Media of High Specific Gravity

Abstract

THE older radiologists undoubtedly have noted improvement in some cases following the injection of Beck's paste into a sinus for radiographic purposes, this being especially true in the years between 1908 and 1915 (1, 2). Less improvement has been noted since the latter date. Coinciding with this transition in the results and, therefore, the use of Beck's paste, there was also a transition going on in our x-ray technic and equipment. With the old gas tube, plates, and no screens, we had to be on constant guard against burning a patient in our effort to secure satisfactory roentgenograms. In other words, at the same time we were making roentgenograms we were actually treating the patient. With the development of the hot cathode tube, films with double emulsion, and intensifying screens, the length of our exposure was very markedly reduced. It is my contention that it was because of this shortened time of exposure that less satisfactory therapeutic results were obtained with Beck's paste. To verify this opi...