The Head Bone's Connected to the Neck Bone: The Weird, Wacky, and Wonderful X-Ray

By Carla Killough McClafferty

Book Overview

A fascinating look at a scientific discovery that changed the world. Through an engaging text and numerous photographs and illustrations, Carla Killough McClafferty tells the history of the X-ray, from its discovery to its uses today. The story begins in 1895, when Wilhelm Roentgen accidentally saw the bones of his own hand while experimenting with cathode rays in his laboratory in Germany. His gift to science led to an amazing revolution in medicine, but not without a terrible price: it was only through many scientists' injuries and deaths that the dangers of X-ray exposure were revealed. McClafferty's chronicle also covers such things as the use of X-rays in examining fine art and identifying forgeries; the study of Egyptian mummies by X-rays; and X-ray use in everything from astronomy to paleontology, from airplane manufacture to the familiar dentist's office. McClafferty writes with an infectious excitement about her subject, with plenty of humor and respect for her intended young audience.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0374329087
• ISBN13: 9780374329082
• Release Date: October 2001
• Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux
• Length: 135 Pages
• Weight: 1.10 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 7.8" x 9.3"
• Age Range: 8 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 3 to 7

Customer Reviews

Stir Young Reader's Love for Science with this Book

Step back in time to 1895 and the laboratory of Dr. Roentgen in Germany. He sees something no one had seen before. "Instead of seeing the shadow of his hand holding a piece of lead on the paper, Roentgen saw the image of a skeleton's bony hand. He couldn't believe his eyes. He was looking at the bones of his own fingers. it was incredible. It was impossible wasn't it?...Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen, at fifty years of age, had discovered something previously unknown in the scientific world: a ray of energy so powerful it could penetrate most objects, including flesh and bones. He called his new discovery X-rays because x is the mathematical symbol for the unknown." This well-written book includes depth of research to show young readers the variety of uses for the x-ray. Fascinating photos combine with interesting stories to keep young readers turning the pages. This book is a great choice to interest anyone from 9 to 14 in the world of science. It's ideal for any home or school.