What were X-ray machines used for in the 1940s and 1950s?
January, 18: An X-ray generating machine is exhibited for the first time
On January 18, 1896 an X-ray machine was formally displayed by H.L. Smith. In the 1940s and 1950s, X-ray machines were used in stores to help sell footwear. These were known as fluoroscopes. However, as the harmful effects of X-ray radiation were properly considered, they finally fell out of use. Shoe-fitting use of the device was first banned by the state of Pennsylvania in 1957.
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24 Comments
Ear Rigling
I sold children's shoes at Strawbridges in Philly in the summer of 1955 or 56. We put the kids feet in this machine all the time... and we put our hands in it to take a look!
drmaldonado
Looked at shape of bones also. Question is misleading.
Carol Reiter
I remember these machines in the children's shoe department at Bloomingdale's in NYC on 59 th Street. I had my feet sized for shoes that way throughout my childhood. Striderite Shoes!
Robbi Hobbs
I remember x-ray machines at Buster Brown shoe store when I was young.
Karin Johansson
sacali, and it wasn't used everywhere for it.
Karin Johansson
Maybe in USA, but not in the real world.
kekwnelson
That's crazy
Jace C Taylor
Never would have thought that one
sacali
Considering Madame Curie died in 1934 I should have known better than to use xrays that way.
Jeri Deo
I remember that now that I answered the question wrong..I was not around during that time, but it does not surprise me one bit...
Kimmi Godspropetyforlife Jones Bradley
Wow thats weird!!!
Amelia Martinez
Belive it or not?
Renee Bever
Omg would have never guessed and I took an anatomy class
Claudette Gerhold
I remember that being done when I was a child. Thought it very interesting to see the bones in my feet.
Judi Barnas Konneman
I often wonder if that's where my cancer came from.
James Vetzel
I remember using one at the local Sears Store in Columbia, SC, when I was purchasing Baseball Shoes.