gas x-ray tube
Date1905-1916
Inventory Number2008-1-0085
ClassificationX-ray Tube
Subject
Manufacturer
Macalaster-Wiggin Company
fl. 1897 - 1916
Maker
Victor Electric Company
1893 - 1923
Cultural Region
Place of Origin
Dimensions20 x 41 x 14.5 cm (7 7/8 x 16 1/8 x 5 11/16 in.)
Material
DescriptionA gas x-ray tube with a concave metal carthode and heavy copper target with platinum center. It includes a side tube with asbestos regenerator, connected outside the tube to a metal wire hinged at the base. It has short lengths of uninsulated copper wire attached to the electrical connectors of the anode and cathode. It has no extra anodes.
It has a very light purplish discoloration on half of the bulb, probably from x-rays or metal particles emitted by the target.
It has a very light purplish discoloration on half of the bulb, probably from x-rays or metal particles emitted by the target.
Signedetched on cathode side tube: MACALASTER, WIGGIN CO
etched on other side: VICTOR / TRADE MARK / MADE IN BOSTON, U.S.A. / PLATINUM
Inscribedstenciled on cathode side of bulb: 51163
FunctionThis an early form of x-ray tube that functions in a rarefied gas atmosphere, controlled by an asbestos regenerator (the tube with the white substance) that can restore the pressure inside when heated. The tube itself has a durable heavy copper target with platinum inset.
In these tubes, a high voltage is produced between the cathode and anode, and electrons are produced mainly by ionization near the cathode. These are accelerated and strike the anode, producing the x-rays.
Contrary to most gas x-ray tubes, this one does NOT include an extra anode.
In these tubes, a high voltage is produced between the cathode and anode, and electrons are produced mainly by ionization near the cathode. These are accelerated and strike the anode, producing the x-rays.
Contrary to most gas x-ray tubes, this one does NOT include an extra anode.
Macalaster-Wiggin Company
Date: circa 1907
Accessories: cloth-insulated cords each with a hook end and a electrode connector end (2); wooden tube clamp; wood pieces (4)
Object number: 2003-1-0197b
