Main description:

It was one of the great moments of humanity when Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen (1845- 1923) discovered a new kind of radiation on 8 November 1895. He himself modestly called them "X-rays". Roentgen's name and his rays became world famous. On 10 December 1901, Roentgen received the first Nobel Prize in Physics. X-rays have lost none of their appeal since then. They still permeate all areas of science, technology and medicine and accompany us in our everyday lives.

However, Roentgen's scientific work cannot be reduced to this one great discovery alone. He was an excellent natural scientist, and his spirit of research is still an example for many scientists today. Roentgen's very special interest in precision physics is also more topical than ever.

This carefully curated volume offers a multifaceted view of an outstanding natural scientist and provides insights into his personal legacy.

Contents:

Greetings.- Introduction.- Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen - Researcher and Man.- A new kind of rays - The discovery and exploration of X-rays.- Progress in physical X-ray research until 1915.- The work of Roentgen in selected examples.- Epilogue. The Future of X-rays.- Special places.- Dates and facts.