Mrs. Röntgen’s hand. The first X-ray image in history

Written by Marcus Renfell

In late autumn of 1895, German physicist Wilhelm Röntgen conducted a series of experiments with a vacuum tube in his laboratory. He did not suspect that one of them would transform the fate of medicine and bring him the Nobel Prize. The photograph of his wife’s hand became a symbol of a breakthrough whose consequences we feel to this day.

Discovery that changed the world of science

Röntgen studied phenomena occurring in a cathode lamp – a device resembling a glass megaphone with electrodes at both ends. Inside was rarefied gas that, when connected to high voltage, began to glow with a colorful luminescence. This was a standard tool for physicists of the era, providing fascinating observations about electricity and matter.

During one of his experiments, the German scientist noticed an unusual phenomenon. A photographic plate lying near the lamp darkened, even though it was not directly illuminated. Röntgen realized he was dealing with an unknown type of radiation. He named it X-rays because he could not explain their nature.

In the following weeks, the physicist conducted dozens of tests, trying to understand the properties of the newly discovered phenomenon. He noticed that the mysterious radiation penetrated paper, wood, and fabrics but stopped at metals and bones. This discovery opened the way to a revolution in medical diagnostics.

Röntgen worked under tension and uncertainty. He did not share his observations with fellow scientists because he wanted to thoroughly investigate the phenomenon first. He knew he was facing something groundbreaking but needed evidence that would convince the scientific world.

Historic session in the December laboratory

On Sunday, December 22, 1895, the German physicist decided to document his discovery in a spectacular way. He asked his wife Bertha to come to the laboratory and place her left hand on a cassette with photosensitive material. Anna Bertha Ludwig, called Bertha, did not yet know that she would become part of the history of science.

The exposure lasted fifteen minutes. During this time, X-rays passed through the soft tissues of Bertha’s hand but were stopped by bones and a metal ring on her finger. The result was astonishing – the bony structures of the hand along with the wedding ring were clearly reflected on the plate.

When Bertha saw the photograph of her own hand, she reacted with words that have passed into history. She reportedly said she saw her death. The image of bones beneath the skin was terrifying and unnatural to her. Never before had a living person viewed the interior of their own body without surgical intervention.

This first X-ray photograph showed not only scientific progress but also the human reaction to crossing the boundaries of knowledge. Bertha experienced something that was both fascinating and disturbing. Her spontaneous reaction captured the emotional dimension of scientific discovery.

Lightning-fast spread of sensational news

Six days after taking the photograph of Bertha’s hand, Wilhelm Röntgen submitted a scientific article describing X-rays for publication. It was a revolutionary text that triggered an avalanche of interest in the scientific community. The physicist knew his discovery required rapid publication.

On New Year’s Day 1896, the German scientist sent out copies of the article along with photographs to leading physicists in Europe and the United States. The reaction exceeded his boldest expectations. As early as January 5, the Viennese newspaper „Die Presse” published information about the breakthrough achievement.

The news spread with unprecedented speed for those times. Within a few weeks, X-rays became the subject of scientific debates, press articles, and public demonstrations. People around the world were fascinated by the possibility of seeing inside the body without surgical incision.

Röntgen’s discovery immediately found practical application. Doctors began using X-ray radiation to locate bone fractures and foreign bodies in the organism. Medicine received a tool that significantly improved the effectiveness of diagnostics and treatment.

Accidental rediscovery of historic document

For almost a hundred years, the original photograph of Bertha Röntgen’s hand lay forgotten in the archives of the Teylers Museum in Haarlem. This oldest museum of art and science in the Netherlands houses collections related to the history of inventions and scientific discoveries. Among hundreds of documents was the legacy of physicist Hendrik Lorentz.

Lorentz died in 1928, leaving behind nearly seven thousand documents, letters, and scientific materials. Museum staff for decades did not have the time or resources to thoroughly review the entire collection. Valuable materials waited their turn in storage rooms and archival cabinets.

During cleaning work in the museum archive, staff members were reviewing old catalogs of X-ray apparatus. From one of them fell a sepia, faded photograph depicting a bony hand with rings. Only after careful examination was it discovered that this was one of the first X-ray photographs in history.

The rediscovery of the photograph was a scientific and museum sensation. A document that seemed lost forever turned out to be part of a forgotten collection. The story of Bertha Röntgen’s hand returned to public consciousness, reminding us of the beginnings of the revolution in medicine and diagnostics.

SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY

Marcus Renfell

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Marcus Renfell is a historian driven by curiosity and passion. He refuses to accept the “safe,” polished versions of the past. Instead, he brings forgotten, overlooked, and distorted stories back to life. His work blends scholarly precision with the art of storytelling, turning historical narratives into vivid, page-turning experiences.
His mission is simple: to prove that history can be gripping, alive, and deeply personal.

His debut book: Women of Science. Stories You Were Never Told

In his first publication, Marcus Renfell shines a light on the remarkable women who shaped the world of science — both the pioneers whose names we know and the brilliant minds history forgot. It’s an inspiring journey through untold stories, groundbreaking achievements, and the resilience of women who changed our understanding of the world.

👉 Discover Women of Science. Stories You Were Never Toldon Amazon.com.