ABSTRACT
In Chapter 1 the unfortunate case of Blondlot’s discovery of N-rays was described. The excitement generated in France was understand able. It was anticipated that X-rays would be followed by a succession of other rays with equally wonderful properties. Blondlot’s prestige within the French Academy of Sciences encouraged others to observe, record and apply. There was an additional incentive to exploit this dis covery. Around 1900, the defeat by Germany in the war of 1870 was still deeply felt. German science was gaining a worldwide reputation. Rontgen the discoverer of X-rays in 1895 worked at the University of Wurzburg in Bavaria. The French with a pride in their past scientific status seem to have seen what they wanted to see. It demonstrates the fallibility of observation, even among those most expected to be thorough in check ing its reliability.
