Shoe-fitting fluoroscope

The Shoe-fitting fluoroscope (pronunciation: /ʃuː-fɪtɪŋ flʊərɒskoʊp/) is a device that was commonly used in shoe stores during the mid-20th century to take X-ray images of a person's feet while wearing shoes. The purpose of this device was to ensure a proper fit of the shoe.

Etymology

The term "Shoe-fitting fluoroscope" is derived from the words "shoe-fitting", referring to the process of finding a shoe that fits properly, and "fluoroscope", a type of X-ray machine that shows a continuous X-ray image on a monitor.

History

The Shoe-fitting fluoroscope was first introduced in the 1920s. It was a popular device in shoe stores across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. However, due to concerns about radiation exposure, the use of these devices was discontinued in the 1950s.

Function

The Shoe-fitting fluoroscope consisted of a large metal construction that was placed on the floor. The customer would place their feet in the opening at the bottom of the machine, and the shoe salesman would view the feet and shoes through a viewing porthole at the top of the device. The device would emit X-rays that would pass through the shoes and feet, creating an image that could be viewed on a fluorescent screen.

Health concerns

Despite its popularity, the Shoe-fitting fluoroscope was a source of significant radiation exposure. Prolonged or repeated exposure to the radiation from the device could potentially lead to health problems, including skin burns, cell damage, and an increased risk of cancer. These health risks eventually led to the discontinuation of the device.

Related terms

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Shoe-fitting fluoroscope
Wikipedia's article - Shoe-fitting fluoroscope

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Shoe-fitting fluoroscope