Thomas Edison developed the fluoroscope (vitascope) in 1896. What device is this?

Thomas Edison developed the fluoroscope (vitascope) in 1896. What device is this?

• A. The radiograph
• B. The fluoroscope
• C. The cathode ray tube
• D. The induction coil

Answer: (B)

Live, real-time X-ray viewing is what a fluoroscope provides. It lets you watch internal structures as they move, by using X-rays to form an image on a fluorescent screen that you observe during exposure. This real-time capability is what distinguishes the fluoroscope from a radiograph, which is a single still image captured on film. The other options refer to different parts of the X-ray system or display technology: an induction coil powers high voltage for X-ray production, and a cathode ray tube is an early type of display device. Edison’s fluoroscope from 1896 was designed specifically for seeing moving anatomy, making it the correct choice.

Live, real-time X-ray viewing is what a fluoroscope provides. It lets you watch internal structures as they move, by using X-rays to form an image on a fluorescent screen that you observe during exposure. This real-time capability is what distinguishes the fluoroscope from a radiograph, which is a single still image captured on film. The other options refer to different parts of the X-ray system or display technology: an induction coil powers high voltage for X-ray production, and a cathode ray tube is an early type of display device. Edison’s fluoroscope from 1896 was designed specifically for seeing moving anatomy, making it the correct choice.