Taming The Rays

Taming the Rays is a history of the use of X-rays and nuclear radiation but primarily of the understanding and management of the dangers they pose. Soon after Rontgen and Becquerel made their discoveries in the final years of the 19th century physicians adopted the technology and scientists have since found many new applications most significantly those connected with nuclear fission. The book traces how the risks associated with the technologies – and with the naturally-occurring sources of radiation - have been understood expressed and assessed. It has often been a controversial enterprise and certainly one of the more complex of intellectual endeavours undertaken on an international scale. It has not been a strictly scientific one since the physics chemistry and biology have necessarily been translated into concepts and standards that can be communicated and used to set standards. The book explores these themes and traces how they have evolved through reference to original research and the thinking of national and international organisations with responsibilities for advising on protection.