Kathleen,

If the display is constructed in a way that illutrates clearly, and is 
apparent to all who see it, that this is indeed a glass plate, then there 
is some merit in the request, as it would demonstrate the evolution of 
imaging in the medical sciences.

If it ends up only showing the x-ray image itself, then a film 
surrogate/copy will do, and would not risk the original.

Even intermittant exposure to a light source will eventually fade the 
silver image, but you can try to use flourescent back illumination (rather 
than projection) to eliminate the heat problem with incandescent lamps, 
and float the plate loosley between UV filtering acrylic, and pick a plate 
that is either duplicated by another plate in the collection, or is 
expendible in some other way.  Using a button or motion sensor to start a 
timed illumination would also help limit exposure.

Otherwise, your fears are indeed founded.  The plate will eventually be 
lost being exposed the way you say.  Propose to them a compromise using a 
surrogate or replication plate for projection and demonstration.

William Snead
Duke University
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"Britton, Kathleen" <[log in to unmask]> 
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Display of glass plate xrays






Good morning all - 
I work at a medical museum/archives that is part of a hospital. As a 
result, we do collaborative exhibits from time to time with hospital 
departments. Our next one is with the radiology department - basically 
showing the development of the process from my understanding (the meeting 
about it is next Tuesday).
As part of the exhibit, the docs would like to display at least one 
constantly lit glass plate/lantern slide xray. I have no idea as yet if it 
would be direct or indirect lighting and how the xray would be supported 
within the exhibit. Needless to say, this whole idea makes me very 
nervous. My thinking is that the constant exposure to light would not be 
good for the xray, not to mention the effect the heat of the case/light 
combo and support methods on the plate's emulsion. Does these sound like 
reasonable objections and can anyone give any others that I can take to 
the docs on Tuesday?
Many thanks! 
Kathleen 
Kathleen Emerson Britton 
Curator of Collections and Education 
Baker-Cederberg Museum and Archives 
(585) 922-3521 / [log in to unmask] 



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