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

by Carla Killough McClafferty

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 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.

Genres: Science

144 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2001

Reviews

[Sylvia Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

A history of X-rays: how they were discovered, how they were used, and how they're used today.

Sounds boring? It's really not. This book is extremely interesting. The added factor of death raised the stakes, and the accounts of the public perception of X-rays made me laugh. I became way more emotionally invested than I'd anticipated. Complicated scientific concepts were explained clearly and relevantly: simple enough for a 10-year-old, but interestingly enough for an adult.

The author did a great job when she covered the X-ray's side effects. She recounted the graphic reality with respect and honesty, but she wasn't gruesome or terror-inspiring.

I'd recommend this to everyone!

[Lauri Meyers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thorough look at the discovery of x-rays, the discoverer, and the inventions which followed. Discusses the dangers of x-rays. Looks at many weird and interesting early uses of X-rays and the existing uses today.

[Richelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Young adult book for middle/high school age group on the history of the X-ray. I got it for work to browse through for some interesting facts, but it was so engrossing that I ended up reading it in-depth cover to cover. It was well-written and fascinating information on how the x-ray was discovered, historical uses and uses today in the art world, astronomy, industry, etc.

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this up because I was looking for good examples of non-fiction for young readers and saw it mentioned on a list, but I ended up being fully engaged in it as an adult reader. It's a fast but fascinating read that tracks the discovery and development of x-rays and related devices, and the rather massive impact on society.

[Judy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a work-related book, but I found it so fascinating that I kept going. Targeted for young people, a basic intro/history to X-rays.