What were the properties of Röntgen's X-rays?
The essential characteristic of these X-rays, as I reported in my early investigations, is their remarkable penetrative power. They can pass through many materials that are opaque to visible light, such as thin sheets of metal and organic tissues. However, denser materials, like bone, absorb them more readily. This differential absorption is crucial. I also noted their ability to ionize gases and to produce fluorescence in certain materials. My 'Further Observations on the Properties of X-Rays' elaborated on these findings, emphasizing the need for precise measurement and controlled conditions in studying their behavior. We must not leap to conclusions, but the evidence pointed to a truly novel form of radiation.
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