Röntgen Discovers X-rays (1895)
November 8, 1895 — Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen, working at the University of Würzburg, observes a fluorescent effect from an unknown kind of ray emanating from his cathode ray tube. Publishes "On a New Kind of Rays" December 28. Awarded the first Nobel Prize in Physics (1901).
Impact
Clinical X-ray imaging begins within weeks of publication. First diagnostic X-rays made in 1896. Foundation of every subsequent radiographic modality.