Patterson Hand-Held Fluoroscope (ca. 1920s) |
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| This particular hand-held fluoroscope was manufactured by the Patterson Screen Company of Towanda Pennsylvania, probably in the 1920s. At the time, Patterson screens were the recognized standard in the U.S. With the x-ray beam on, the physician would stand on the far side of the patient and view the image produced on the fluorescent screen of the fluoroscope. Compared to generating images on x-ray film, the use of the fluoroscope resulted in higher doses to the patient and doctor (who would not otherwise be exposed to the direct beam). | |
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The
screen on this example (approximately 9" x 11") consists of a
layer of cadmium tungstate deposited on the inside of the glass plate that
forms the broad end of the device (Patterson pioneered the use of cadmium
tungstate as a replacement for calcium tungstate). The body of the fluoroscope is covered
with black leatherette and the viewing port is protected from stray light
with a fur-like fabric. This
item was taken from a physician in |
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Donated
by the |
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