Wilhelm Röntgen

Discovered X-rays, revolutionizing medical diagnostics and physics.

Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen (1845–1923) was a German physicist whose discovery of X-rays in 1895 marked a turning point in science and medicine. While experimenting with cathode rays, Röntgen noticed a fluorescent glow from a screen coated with barium platinocyanide. He termed the mysterious rays 'X-rays' due to their unknown nature.

His first X-ray image, of his wife Anna Bertha's hand, revealed skeletal structures and wedding ring, demonstrating the rays' ability to penetrate soft tissue. This discovery earned him the first Nobel Prize in Physics in 1901.

X-rays quickly became indispensable in medical diagnostics, enabling non-invasive visualization of fractures, tumors, and foreign objects. Beyond medicine, X-rays influenced fields like materials science and astronomy.

Despite fame, Röntgen refused to patent his discovery, ensuring its widespread use. His work inspired further research into radiation, leading to advancements such as computed tomography (CT) scans and radiation therapy.

Today, Röntgen's legacy endures in radiography and his namesake element roentgenium (Rg). His discovery exemplifies how curiosity-driven research can transform human understanding and healthcare.