X-RAY MARTYR FOR 15 YEARS.

Hokitika Guardian, 6 February 1926, Page 4

X-RAY MARTYR FOR 15 YEARS.

TWENTY OPERATIONS. LONDON, Nov. 30. AVe regret to announce the death, which ends a life of wonderful heroism, of Air Reginald Blaekall, the London Hospital radiographer and X-Ray pioneer. Mr Blaekall—a martyr to Xrays—died at his home at Leigh-on-Sea. Ho was only 44 years of age. Air Blaekall had suffered from X-ray dermatitis, which results in inflammation destroying the skin, for over lb years and had undergone no fewer than 20 operations. The great improvements made in recent years in the protection of operators concerned in the highly dangerous work were largely due to his experiments. He was one of the three pioneers of X-ray work and started at the London Hospital in 1599. HANDS AMPUTATED. Mr Heard, his executor, told a reporter last night a pathetic story of Afr Blackall’s sufferings, which lie bore uncomplainingly. He said: “When Air Blaekall went to the hospital 'there was no method of preventing injury to operators, and he undertook the work knowing it would mean death sooner or later. He soon contracted thci disease and had to have a finger-nail removed in 1903. Amputation of three fingers followed. He was so ill in 1920 that lie had to ictire from active work, but at his own request still acted in an advisory capacity. The disease had spread so much, three years later that both Air Blackall’s hands had to be amputated, but ho never complained, and set to work to learn to write with an artificial hand so that he could continue to be of use to the hospital. His favourite remark to people was: ‘l’m still cheerful- not down and out by a- long chaik 1’ ” . . A grant of £75 a, year was made to Air Blaekall h v the Carnegie- Hero Fund in 1923, ho was granted full pay for life when he retired from active work at the hospital, and a public subscription of £1,200 enabled him to buy bis house at Leigh-on-Sen. For the past year the disease confined him to his room, and his last operation took place three weeks ago. He leaves a widow.