This is probably one of the first baggage inspection systems used, and no, we were not participants in that endeavor. Indeed, one wonders if any of the people in that picture, taken in 1897 lived a long life. After all, with the X-Ray tube prominently displayed in the open, and the high voltage transformer well shielded it seems that their concern was to not electrocute anybody, the radiation hazard being unknown then. Even with all the work I have done with X-Rays and a certain amount of complacency in dealing with them on my part, that picture rings alarm bells in my head!

You can see the X-Ray tube at the end of the two cables coming out of what looks to me like a sheet metal box. Some poor soul is innocently holding up the bag and the gentleman on the right is looking at a fluorescent screen. Everybody in the vicinity is being sprayed indiscriminately with radiation! Amazing, our history!

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