X-ray machine voted number one

The Science Museum in South Kensington, London, polled nearly 50,000 people to vote on the ten most important inventions and discoveries in the history of science. The result saw the X-ray machine deemed the most significant.

X-rays were discovered by the German physicist, Wilhelm Röntgen, in 1895. He won a Nobel Prize for his work in this area. However, the development of X-ray equipment was carried out by amateurs in the months following Röntgen announcing his discovery.

Penicillin came in second in the poll, followed by the DNA double helix. Fourth place was held by the Apollo 10 Capsule, followed by the V2 Rocket engine, Stephenson’s rocket, Pilot ACE computer, Steam engine, Model T Ford and then the electric telegraph.

Professor Andy Adam, professor of Interventional Radiology at King's College London and President of the Royal College of Radiologists, said: "I am delighted to hear that the X-ray machine has topped the poll of scientific discoveries. It has certainly revolutionised the practice of medicine."

"The discovery of X-rays brought this discipline into existence and has benefited countless patients."

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