The Patterson X-Ray Fluoroscope was probably manufactured in the 1930s. With the beam on, the physician would position themselves on the opposite side of the patient x-ray tube and view the image produced on the fluorescent screen of the fluoroscope. Compared to generating images on x-ray film, the use of a fluoroscope resulted in higher doses to the patient and doctor.[1]
(Source Image URL from orau.org)
How do you make sure a fluoroscope is warmed up? How about putting your hand in front of it until your finger bones appear? When the doctor saw his finger bones, the device was considered to be ready. The skin injuries led to chronic periods of vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, dermatitis, tuberculosis, and cancers in glands and organs.[2]
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There were also Shoe Store Fluoroscopes. Watch a history of the little known shoe store X-Ray machines that were used to show your feet inside your shoes. A big hit for a short time since the designers ignored the radiation they were releasing.
(Source Video Embed Code from http://youtu.be/QVlEXd9w7vk)
