Poll: X-ray machine tops list of inventions over the past 100 years
Wilhelm Röntgen’s invention of the x-ray machine topped the Science Museum of London’s Centenary opinion poll, issued Nov. 4.
The poll, beginning June 10, asked the public to vote on which modern invention has made the greatest impact on the past, present and future within the fields of technology, science and engineering. The x-ray machine came out on top, attracting 9,581 of the 48,152 votes.
“Radiology is the most exciting and fast developing specialty in modern medicine. The discovery of x-rays brought this discipline into existence and has benefited countless patients,” said Andy Adam, professor of interventional radiology at King’s College of London and president of the Royal College of Radiologists.
Since its discovery by German physicist Röntgen in 1895, the x-ray has improved diagnostic medicine and has even helped enhance security measures, said Katie Maggs, associate curator of medicine at the Science Museum.
The inventions and their corresponding number of votes are as follows:
“Many of the fundamental scientific discoveries of the twentieth century owe their origins to x-ray technology….The structure of DNA, for example, was discovered using x-ray technology,” said Maggs.
According to the museum, curators selected 10 “iconic” objects for the vote from the museum’s collections. The iconic objects, the museum said, will create a display entitled the “Centenary Journey Trail” to commemorate the museum’s 100th anniversary.
The Science Museum of London dates back to 1909 and will continue its Centenary events into June of next year.
The poll, beginning June 10, asked the public to vote on which modern invention has made the greatest impact on the past, present and future within the fields of technology, science and engineering. The x-ray machine came out on top, attracting 9,581 of the 48,152 votes.
“Radiology is the most exciting and fast developing specialty in modern medicine. The discovery of x-rays brought this discipline into existence and has benefited countless patients,” said Andy Adam, professor of interventional radiology at King’s College of London and president of the Royal College of Radiologists.
Since its discovery by German physicist Röntgen in 1895, the x-ray has improved diagnostic medicine and has even helped enhance security measures, said Katie Maggs, associate curator of medicine at the Science Museum.
The inventions and their corresponding number of votes are as follows:
- X-ray machine
- Penicillin—6,825 votes
- DNA double helix—6,725 votes
- Apollo 10 Capsule—4,649 votes
- V2 Rocket Engine—3,985 votes
- Stephenson's Rocket—3,533 votes
- Pilot ACE Computer—3,472 votes
- Steam Engine—3,457 votes
- Model T Ford—3,231 votes
- Electric Telegraph—2,694 votes
“Many of the fundamental scientific discoveries of the twentieth century owe their origins to x-ray technology….The structure of DNA, for example, was discovered using x-ray technology,” said Maggs.
According to the museum, curators selected 10 “iconic” objects for the vote from the museum’s collections. The iconic objects, the museum said, will create a display entitled the “Centenary Journey Trail” to commemorate the museum’s 100th anniversary.
The Science Museum of London dates back to 1909 and will continue its Centenary events into June of next year.