Strengths: Comprehensive record of radiologic sciences throughout Canada during the last century
Weaknesses: No major weaknesses
Audience: Physicians, scientists and technologists involved in the radiologic sciences as well as those interested in the history of medicine in Canada
The editors have assembled contributions from 71 writers, which is no mean feat. Each contribution, long or short, is eminently readable and specific to the chosen subject. Despite the difficulties of assembling diverse topics and contributors, the editors have woven an elegant tapestry worthy of the disciplines involved. The photographs and illustrations span the century. Although readers may be familiar with several or many of the illustrations, the total collection is as informative as the text.
The contributions to the development of radiology by prominent early figures -- Röntgen, Alexander Graham Bell and Ernest Rutherford -- are revealing and fascinating. For example, Bell wrote about stereoscopic radiography and visualization of the skeleton in three dimensions only 6 months after Röntgen's discovery. In 1903, Bell recognized the limitations of external-beam radiotherapy, and he wrote to his physician suggesting the insertion of a "tiny fragment of radium sealed up in a fine glass tube" into "the very heart of the cancer."
The regional development of radiology and related disciplines and of academic departments across the country is well documented. The orderly and rapid early progress is remarkable in a country such as Canada, with its communication and transportation problems imposed by geography and climate as well as its sparse population.
Individual Canadians figure prominently as pioneers, builders, teachers and organizers. The list is incomplete but well balanced. In particular, it is gratifying to see that the contributions of technologists have not been overlooked.
The concluding postscript by Dr. Brian Lentle is well worth reading. He is both optimistic and realistic. The radiologic sciences in Canada have built on strong foundations, which provide a base for developments in the future -- whatever it may bring.
Alexander A. Wilkinson, MA, MB,
BChir, MSc, FRCPC
Professor of medical imaging