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Victor X-Ray Corporation lantern slide collection

 Collection
Identifier: 2007-003

Scope and Contents

The collection consists of four undated glass lantern slides that were possibly used by the Victor X-ray Corporation for sales presentations in the early 20th century. The images are titled: the birthplace of the x-ray, Wilhelm Conrad Roëntgen, a demonstration of an x-ray machine, and an x-ray of a child in a casket.

Dates

  • undated

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

There are no restrictions on access. This collection is open to the public.

Conditions Governing Use

OHSU Historical Collections & Archives (HC&A) is the owner of the original materials and digitized images in our collections, however, the collection may contain materials for which copyright is not held. Patrons are responsible for determining the appropriate use or reuse of materials. Consult with HC&A to determine if we can provide permission for use.

Historical Note

Ed C. Jerman and the Victor X-Ray Corporation:

Ed. C. Jerman was a pioneer in the field of X-ray technology. In 1916, he began to train health care personnel in the handling and operation of X-ray equipment.

Jerman's idea of training people was a success. Jerman joined the Victor Company, the medical division of General Electric, in May 1918, as head of the educational department. He employed men and women to serve as demonstrators and trainers, and by 1924, 12 branches conducted five to seven-day classes throughout the nation.

Jerman wrote extensively on the subject, and Modern X-ray Technic, published in 1928, served as a textbook for X-ray technicians for many years. He directed the work of the educational department until his retirement in 1934.

Victor X-Ray Corporation:

“As early as 1893, C.F. Samms and J.B. Wantz founded the Victor Electric Company in Mr. Wantz's basement in Chicago. By 1896, they were producing electrostatic generators and electrotherapeutic devices. They acquired electrical manufacturers, such as McAleaster and Wiggins, the Snook Roentgen Company of Philadelphia, and others. By 1913, following the advent of the Coolidge "hot-cathode" high-vacuum tube, their reputation was such that they became the sole manufacturer and distributor of the Coolidge tube in the United States. The company was eventually acquired by General Electric in 1926, and by 1930 it had become the General Electric X-ray Corporation. The Victor Company of Chicago was held in such high regard that it became the foundation upon which the now existing General Electric Medical Systems was built.”

Quote acquired from:

http://www.chi-rad-soc.org/illinois.html

Extent

0.33 Linear Feet (1 archives box, 4 slides )

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

The collection consists of four undated glass lantern slides that were possibly used by the Victor X-Ray Corporation for sales presentations in the early 20th century.

Technical Access

No special equipment is needed to view the materials, although the slides may be shown on a glass lantern slide projector or light table.

Other Finding Aids

The following institutions contain archival collections related to X-Ray technology:

Fundamental contributions to the X-ray : the three original communications on a new kind of ray / Wilhelm Conrad Röentgen, 1972:

http://archive.is/X6uaz

E. Dale Trout Papers, Oregon State University Libraries, Special Collections & University Archives Research Center:

http://archiveswest.orbiscascade.org/ark:/80444/xv72523

Acquisition Information

Kathy Arena acquired the slides in a garage sale in Bellevue, Washington and donated them to the OHSU HC&A on February 23, 2007.

Creator

Source

Title
Guide to the Victor X-Ray Corporation lantern slide collection
Status
Completed
Author
Karen Peterson, Crystal Rodgers
Date
2007
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding aid written in English.

Repository Details

Part of the Oregon Health & Science University, Historical Collections & Archives Repository

Contact:
3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road
MC: LIB
Portland OR 97239 United States