Shoe-fitting fluoroscope

Shoe-fitting fluoroscope is a device that was used in shoe stores during the 20th century to take X-ray images of a person's feet while wearing shoes. This was done to ensure a proper fit of the shoes. The device was also known as a pedoscope.

History

The shoe-fitting fluoroscope was invented by Dr. Jacob Lowe in the early 1920s. The first commercial model was available in 1927. The device was popular in shoe stores in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom during the 1930s and 1940s. However, by the 1950s, the use of shoe-fitting fluoroscopes declined due to the growing awareness of the potential health risks associated with unnecessary exposure to X-rays.

Design and operation

The shoe-fitting fluoroscope was a large metal construction approximately 4 feet high in the shape of a short column. The top of the device had an opening where the customer would place their feet. Inside the device, an X-ray tube was mounted near the bottom and a fluorescent screen was placed at the top. When the device was activated, X-rays would pass through the shoes and feet, and the image would be displayed on the screen.

Health risks

The use of shoe-fitting fluoroscopes exposed customers and sales personnel to unnecessary and potentially harmful radiation. Prolonged exposure to X-rays can lead to various health problems, including skin burns, cell damage, and increased risk of cancer. The device was eventually banned in many places due to these health risks.

Legacy

Despite the health risks associated with their use, shoe-fitting fluoroscopes are an important part of the history of radiology and retail marketing. They serve as a reminder of the need for caution and regulation when using medical technologies.

Shoe-fitting fluoroscope Resources
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