The Röntgen X-Rays - Nikola Tesla Results and Theories

In the Electrical Review for March 11 appears the first authorized communication from Nikola Tesla regarding his work with the X-rays. The following is condensed from his full statement:

In order to produce the most intense effects we have first to consider that, whatever their nature, they depend necessarily on the intensity of the cathode streams. These again being dependent on the magnitude of the potential, it follows that the highest attainable electrical pressure is desirable. We are naturally thrown on the use of the disruptive discharge coil as the most effective apparatus. With this there is practically no limit to the spark length. If we put two electrodes in a bulb, or use one inside and another outside electrode, we limit the potential, for the presence not only of the anode but of any conducting object has the effect of reducing the practicable potential on the cathode. Thus, to secure the result aimed at, one is driven to the acceptance of a single electrode bulb, the other terminal being as far remote as possible.

Mr. Tesla then describes at length a process of his own for obtaining, by an electrical discharge of high potential from a disruptive coil through the bulb, a degree of rarefaction far beyond that obtainable by mechanical appliances, and goes on to say:

Though the phenomenon of rarefaction under above conditions admits of different interpretations, the chief interest centers on one of them, to which I adhere — that is, on the actual expulsion of the particles through the walls of the bulb. I am getting more and more convinced that we have to deal with a stream of material particles, which strike the sensitive plate with great velocities. A peculiar thing about the Röntgen rays is that from low frequency to the highest obtainable there seems to be no difference in the quality of the effects produced, except that they are more intense when the frequency is higher, which is very likely due to the fact that in such case the maximum pressures on the cathode are likewise higher. This is only possible on the assumption that the effects on the sensitive plate are due to projected particles, or else to vibrations far beyond any frequency which we are able to obtain by means of condenser discharges.

With apparatus as I have described, remarkable impressions on the plate are produced. The bony structure of birds, rabbits, and the like is shown within; the least detail, and even the hollow of the bones is clearly visible. In a plate of a rabbit under exposure of an hour, not only every detail of the skeleton is visible, but likewise a clear outline of the abdominal cavity and the location of the lungs, the fur and many other features. Prints of even large birds show the feathers quite distinctly. Clear shadows of the bones of human limbs are obtained by exposures ranging from a quarter of an hour to an hour. A picture of a foot with a shoe on it was taken, and every fold of the leather, trousers, stocking, etc., is visible, while the flesh and bones stand out sharply. Through the body of the experimenter the shadows of small buttons and like objects are quickly obtained, while with an exposure of from one to one and a half hour the ribs, shoulder-bones, and the bones of the upper arm appear clearly.

An outline of the skull is easily obtained with an exposure of 20 to 40 minutes. In one instance an exposure of 40 minutes gave clearly not only the outline, but the cavity of the eye, the chin and cheek and nasal bones, the lower jaw and connections to the upper one, the vertebral column and connections to the skull, the flesh, and even the hair. By exposing the head to a powerful radiation strange effects have been noted. For instance, I find that there is a tendency to sleep and the time seems to pass away quickly. There is a general soothing effect, and I have felt a sensation of warmth in the upper part of the head. An assistant independently confirmed the tendency to sleep and a quick lapse of time. Should these remarkable effects be verified by men with keener sense of observation, I shall still more firmly believe in the existence of material streams penetrating the skull. Thus it may be possible by these strange appliances to project a suitable chemical into any part of the body.

Criticism of Tesla's Statements

Dr. Cyrus Edson, formerly health commissioner, when asked by a reporter for the New York Times about Tesla's deductions, said that he had been much interested in the subject and had given it considerable attention. Said he:

It is an undoubted fact that you can decompose certain chemicals by means of light. The principle of photography rests upon this fact. These X-rays decompose the chemicals with which the film is sensitized and effects this decomposition through what have hitherto been regarded as opaque bodies, such as the hand, for instance. Light in vibration, and it has been demonstrated that these X-rays will pass through an opaque body. That these vibrations in passing through the skull should affect the delicate nerve tissues of the brain and stimulate them is a perfectly natural result. This accounts for the sensations experienced by Tesla when he exposed his head to a powerful radiation. But there is no more reason to believe that the X-rays will carry a medicinal agent through the body and into the distant spot, the seat of disease, than that a ray of light will be able to project such a chemical onto the surface of the body.

The theory of the vibrations of light is not a new one. It originated with Sir Isaac Newton, who believed that luminous bodies shot out infinitely small particles in straight lines, which, by penetrating the transparent parts of the eye and falling on the nervous tissue, produced vision. Other philosophers drew a parallel between the properties of light and those of sound, and considered that as sound was certainly the effect of vibrations, or little waves projected through elastic bodies, so light might be nothing more than the consequence of similar vibrations transmitted with inconceivable velocity through a highly elastic medium. The wave hypothesis of light is at present generally adopted simply because it is in harmony with all the known phenomena discovered since the time of Newton. The deductions of Tesla as the result of his experiments are absolutely in harmony with the Newtonian theory. We can certainly expect some marvelous results from the X-rays, things not even dreamed of yet. I believe that they will prove a valuable adjunct to medical science, and I think that the ultra violet rays will be sooner or later obtained by passing ordinary sunlight through certain media, without the agency of electricity.

Dr. J. Mount Bleyer, who has taken great interest in determining the effects of all light rays on animal and vegetable life, said:

I am not at all surprised at the results of Tesla's experiments. I have been experimenting for some time with the associated light rays — the sunlight and the different colors, such as blue, red, and orange — in connection with the treatment of infectious diseases and vegetations. The results obtained by Tesla are simply marvelous, but are just what I expected. I have contended from the beginning, and it has now been proven beyond a doubt by Tesla, that this bombardment of particles does pass through glass and other materials at an enormous velocity. As far as the therapeutic effects of the rays are concerned, they may be likened in some way to a massage effect, if they do not form a high class of bactericidal agent. Solariums for the treatment of infectious diseases, with associated light rays, will no doubt be the next advance in hospital architecture. I have made a number of experiments with the associated light rays in hospitals and among my private patients in cases of phthisis and tuberculosis. I have resorted to the treatment wherever it was possible, and never failed to obtain the best results. Ordinary light is one of the main factors in the growth of animal life. We know that sunlight is essential for the growth and development of both animal and vegetable tissue. We have in light a therapeutic agent that has been underestimated and neglected, and which should be taken up and thoroughly studied.

Ogden N. Rood, professor of physics in Columbia College, after glancing through the article by Nikola Tesla, dictated to a New York Times reporter the following statement of his views:

It is never proper to frame a new hypothesis in order to account for discoveries when an old and well-established theory is capable of giving them an explanation. Our knowledge of the waves of light, of radiant heat, and of the ultra violet rays is confined within narrow limits. Thus far, according to our previous experience, the shorter the length of the wave the more it will be bent, or refracted, by substances in general. It, however, does not at all follow that this will hold good if the length of the wave is shortened to a degree beyond our experience. On the other hand, it is highly probable that if this shortening process goes on till the length of the wave has become of the same order of magnitude with the molecules of matter that the effect in the matter of refraction will diminish. This would account for the fact that no one has succeeded thus far in refracting or reflecting the Röntgen rays. In my own experiments I have so far found them to act in the same general way with waves of ordinary light, and I am inclined to believe that they are simply waves of light of unprecedented shortness. This view necessarily excludes all idea of a molecular bombardment outside of the Crookes tube. I believe that it will be eventually demonstrated that the Röntgen rays are capable of reflection and refraction, although it will require more delicate work than has thus far been extended in this direction.