Violence, war, borders

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The book explores how X-rays reveal the impact of societal forces, documenting injuries from war and identifying the use of cluster bombs, as well as proving instances of torture and child abuse. At borders, X-rays uncover concealed weapons, explosives, and drugs, visualizing humans hidden in cars and containers. These images highlight the political significance of terrorism and illegal immigration. In response to terrorist threats, security measures have intensified; for instance, the Lockerbie disaster led to stricter luggage checks, while Richard Reid's shoe bomb attempt prompted the fluoroscopy of footwear. The aftermath of the 9/11 attacks and subsequent incidents in London and Madrid resulted in advanced luggage scanning and body searches at airports. The book illustrates how perceptions of X-rays, privacy, and the human body have evolved since C. Röntgen's discovery in 1895. Early radiologists faced radiation risks heroically, while cultural references, like Miss Atomic Bomb in 1957, reflect changing attitudes. Before 1900, Edison marketed X-ray devices for home use, suggesting they could reveal hidden thoughts. Today, advertisements feature the "Transparent Traveler" and promote mammography, showcasing the evolving relationship between technology and societal norms.