A System of Radiography with an Atlas of the Normal

First American Edition, published the same year as the London First Edition (H. K. Lewis). Oblong folio, 11x15 inches. xi, 109pp. Printed on coated paper. 108 b&w plates illustrating 27 positions figured by Bruce for optimal diagnostic use of the x-ray. Very Good oversize volume with expected stress and wear to the joints and spine ends; about two inches of faint dampstaining to the bottom gutter throughout the textblock and slim halo of toning around the edges, related darkening to the exterior of the binding, relatively inconspicuous given the deep shade of the binding. A pioneer of radiography whose early death contributed to the scientific understanding of, and efforts to mitigate, the toxic effects of radiation exposure.

"We record with much regret the death of DR. W. IRONSIDE BRUCE on March 21 at the early age of forty-four. Dr. Bruce was educated at the University of Aberdeen, obtaining the degrees of M.B. and Ch.B. in 1900, and then served as civil surgeon in the South African Field Force. Here he took much interest in the application of X-rays for the diagnosis of war injuries, and afterwards became assistant to the late Sir J. Mackenzie Davidson at Charing Cross Hospital, and on the death of the latter succeeded as medical officer in charge of the X-ray department. Dr. Bruce was intensely interested in the scientific developments of his subject, of which he acquired a very complete knowledge. He published "A System of Radiography with Atlas of the Normal," and in process of time became president of the section of radiology, Royal Society of Medicine, and took a considerable share in the establishment of the diploma in radiology, now given by the University of Cambridge. Some months ago the condition of his health gave rise to anxiety, and it was later found that he was suffering from a severe type of aplastic anaemia, from which he died. Evidence has accumulated that this condition may be caused by the more penetrating radiations both from X-ray tubes and from radium, and there is little doubt that he succumbed as a result of his continuous work in radiology-another X-ray worker who may be described as a martyr to his science." [Obituaries]. Nature 107, 148 (1921). https://doi.org/10.1038/107148a0