Medicine + Technology + Art

Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine

Hippocrates is thought of to be the father of medicine so much so that an oath was penned in his name that is still used today in medical schools all across the United States. Today though, “the modern versions of the oath [have veered] far from the classical” (Tyson 2001). Similarly, scientific techniques and procedures meant strictly for medicinal, research, or security purposes are now being used as art forms.

X-Ray scanner at airport security checkpoint

X-rays were discovered by Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen in 1895. It is termed X-ray because “X” is a mathematical term for something unknown. The technique was used to determine the structure of DNA, as a diagnostic tool in the medical field, and at airports and manufacturing warehouses to screen luggage and packaged goods without having to individually open each package and rummage through it.

Mrs. Roentgen's left hand (X-ray)

X-ray images are very powerful because they reveal one of the mysteries of life, inside the human body. Mr. Roentgen’s wife exclaimed that she had seen her death when she saw an X-ray image of her hand with her wedding band on. She could see the exact structure and placement of the bones in her hand, a very private and personal experience. Most people will not get to see or know their insides, even though they are contained inside of that person’s body.

Today, X-rays are used to express personal and controversial issues and opinions through art. Recently, Ad Council launched a campaign called “Love Has No Labels” which uses an X-ray imaging screen with two people kissing behind it. The audience cannot see the gender, race, or ethnicity of the couple until they step out from behind the screen. The purpose of this artistic display being: “to end bias, we need to become aware of it. And then we need to do everything within our power to stop it in ourselves, others, and institutions” (Ad Council 2015). This powerful use of X-ray technology outside of the medical field is truly revolutionizing the way people view differences amongst each other.

Sources

-Barrett, Tresha. "Video of Kissing Skeletons Reminds Us That "Love Has No Labels""Inquisitr. The Inquisitr News, 8 Mar. 2015. Web. 26 Apr. 2015. <http://www.inquisitr.com/1896883/video-of-kissing-skeletons-remind-us-that-love-has-no-labels/>.

-"Diversity & Inclusion - Love Has No Labels." YouTube. Ad Council, 3 Mar. 2015. Web. 26 Apr. 2015. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PnDgZuGIhHs>.

-"History of Radiography." NDT Resource Center. Iowa State University. Web. 26 Apr. 2015. <https://www.nde-ed.org/EducationResources/CommunityCollege/Radiography/Introduction/history.htm>.

-Image of Airport X-ray: http://image.ec21.com/image/xinyuantong01/oimg_GC07342670_CA07356211/X_Ray_Luggage_Inspection_Machine_At_Airport_XJ8065.jpg

-Image of Hippocrates: http://usercontent2.hubimg.com/6376678_f260.jpg

-Image of X-ray hand: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/dreamanatomy/images/1200-dpi/Z1.jpg

-Tyson, Peter. "The Hippocratic Oath Today." NOVA. 27 Mar. 2001. Web. 26 Apr. 2015.

-Vesna, Victoria. "Lecture Part 2." Desma 9 Class Website. UC Online Program, 21 Apr. 2012. Web. 26 Apr. 2015. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psjnQarHOqQ>.