Let’s have a show of hands. . . . how many readers are over the age of 70? I see some hands going up. Oh my . . . . quite a few. Those of you folks who are of that seven decade vintage may recall operating a genuine X-ray machine. And you – like me – may have been 5 to 10 years old.

In November 1895, Wilhelm Roentgen accidentally discovered a strange light that would pass through most substances – leaving a ghostly image of the object’s interior. A month later, Roentgen published his findings in a science publication. Since he didn’t know what the images were, he called them “X-rays.” During World War I, a device called a “fluoroscope” was devised to take images of soldiers’ feet – within their boots – to make sure they fit properly. And soon thereafter, the Foot-O-Scope was devised.

By the early 1950’s, approximately 10,000 fluoroscopes – we’re talking X-ray machines – were operating in shoe stores across the United States. Each one had three viewers – that allowed parents and children to see X-rays of feet – to see if the shoe fit.

I remember with clarity – when I was maybe 7 years old – going with my parents to the shoe store. And using the fluoroscope. I sometimes got to push the button or turn the switch to activate the imaging. I would then X-ray my feet while my parents watched through their own viewers.

The first health concern over radiation issues was released in 1948. By 1957, states began to ban these fluoroscope devices. The reason? Some shoe salesmen developed conditions associated with chronic radiation exposure. For me, I don’t think it ever became a problem though I do have 8 toes on each foot. . . . .