Nikola Tesla, the Serbian-American inventor known for his groundbreaking work with electricity and radio, held over 300 patents during his lifetime. While many of his inventions and experiments are celebrated, some remain lesser-known, such as his pioneering work with x-rays. Tesla began experimenting with radiation energy in 1894, long before the technology became widely understood.
Toward the end of the 19th century, Tesla noticed that some of his photographic film had been damaged during earlier experiments, leading him to explore radiation further. In 1895, German physicist Wilhelm Röntgen published his landmark report on x-rays, a discovery for which he is still credited today.
However, Tesla was conducting similar experiments at nearly the same time. A fire in Tesla’s lab that same year destroyed his equipment and records, which may have prevented him from claiming a share of the discovery.
Despite this setback, Tesla held no ill will toward Röntgen. He congratulated the German physicist and sent him some of his own x-ray images. Röntgen, in turn, praised Tesla’s work. Tesla continued his x-ray research, creating a high-energy vacuum tube powered by his famous Tesla coil. Using himself as a test subject, he produced detailed x-ray images—what he called “shadowgraphs”—that revealed intricate details like the metal components of his shoe and the bones of his hand.
Tesla also recognized the medical potential of x-rays. He pointed out how the technology could be used to locate foreign objects in the body or diagnose conditions like lung disease. Remarkably, he was among the first to warn about the harmful effects of x-ray radiation.
Observing changes to the skin, swelling, pain, and hair loss in those exposed to x-rays, Tesla mistakenly attributed these effects to the ozone and nitrous acid produced during the process rather than to the rays themselves.
Nevertheless, he worked to mitigate these risks by experimenting with early safety measures, including an aluminum shield designed to protect against radiation exposure.
Tesla’s understanding of the dangers of x-rays was advanced for his time. He emphasized the importance of minimizing exposure by controlling the distance between the source and the body and limiting the duration of exposure. His efforts in radiology further demonstrated his forward-thinking approach to science.
Despite his many contributions, Tesla’s life was marked by financial struggles. Unable to manage his finances, he was evicted from several New York City hotels due to unpaid bills. He spent his final years in relative obscurity and died alone at the age of 86 in the Hotel New Yorker.
Today, Tesla’s legacy endures. His innovative spirit and numerous scientific contributions have left a lasting impact on the world, cementing his place as one of history’s greatest inventors.
Nikola Tesla was a prolific inventor with over 300 patents.
He experimented with early x-ray technology, noting its medical benefits and hazards.
