HERO OF X-RAY

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 593, 26 July 1933, Page 3

HERO OF X-RAY

MAN'S HEROIG PERSEVERANCE . IN MYSTERY OF NEW SCIENCE. OVBR FORTY OPERATIONS. With quiet heroism and courage, Mr H. J. Suggars lately interrupted his work at the London Hospital for a few days to go into a ward for treatment of X-ray injuries which he had contracted as a result of 23 years' unceasing work. Mr. Suggars. is the only one left on the active list of the four pioneers of the hospital who started to use the wonderful X-rays in 1902. Little was known about the rays 31 years ago, and when Mr. Suggars joined with Mr. Ernest Harnack thir two eolleagues showedl th'em the painful burns on their hands and arms that had resulted from exposure to the powerful rays. Neither Mr. Suggars nor Mr. Harnack were deterred in thei determination to master the mysteries! of the new science. Two of the original staff died from their burns, and some years ago Mr. Harnack himself was forced to abandon hospital work. Mr. Harnack h'as since had hoth hands amputated at the wrists and he now' lives in retirement at West Mersea. Mr. Suggars, however, managed to secure some protection for his hands and arms, and to these precautions he owes his life. He did not know how much the X-rays spread, however, and soon his chest and face showed signs of the painful skin mal-a-dy. One eyelid has had to be removed, •and in May, Mr. Suggars .was waiting to undergo his 41st operation to try 'and stay the ravages of the disease. Radium needles ,were inserted in his 'chest, and it was hoped thereby to cheek the spread of the growths. During his service in the X-ray department, Mr. Suggars had nearly '100,000 patients through his hands. Eight years ago the slow progress of the disease made it necessary for him to give up X-ray work in case the injurious rays aggravated his complaint. Sincei then he has been carrying out important work in the photographic department of the hospital, and after a short rest he intended to return to his duties. At 65 years of age Mr. Suggars is the Grand Old Man of the X-ray pioneers, and the oldest X-ray practitioner still on the active list.