nything. The discharge was in
full force, and the rays were flying through my head, and, for all I
knew, through the side of the box behind me. But they were invisible
and impalpable. They gave no sensation whatever. Whatever the
mysterious rays may be, they are not to be seen, and are to be judged
only by their works.

I was loath to leave this historical tin box, but time pressed. I
thanked the professor, who was happy in the reality of his discovery
and the music of his sparks. Then I said: "Where did you first
photograph living bones?"

"Here," he said, leading the way into the room where the coil stood.
He pointed to a table on which was another--the latter a small
short-legged wooden one with more the shape and size of a wooden
seat. It was two feet square and painted coal black. I viewed it with
interest. I would have bought it, for the little table on which
light was first sent through the human body will some day be a great
historical curiosity; but it was "nicht zu verkaufen." A photograph of
it would have been a consolation, but for several reasons one was not
to be had at present. However, the historical table was there, and was
duly inspected.

[Illustration: CORK-SCREW, KEY, PENCIL WITH METALLIC PROTECTOR, AND
PIECE OF COIN, AS PHOTOGRAPHED WHILE INSIDE A CALICO POCKET.

From a photograph by A.A.C. Swinton, Victoria Street, London. Four
minutes' exposure through a sheet of aluminium.]

"How did you take the first hand photograph?" I asked.

The professor went over to a shelf by the window, where lay a number
of prepared glass plates, closely wrapped in black paper. He put a
Crookes tube underneath the table, a few inches from the under side
of its top. Then he laid his hand flat on the top of the table, and
placed the glass plate loosely on his hand.

"You ought to have your portrait painted in that attitude," I
suggested.

"No, that is nonsense," said he, smiling.

"Or be photographed." This suggestion was made with a deeply hidden
purpose.

The rays from the Roentgen eyes instantly penetrated the deeply hidden
purpose. "Oh, no," said he; "I can't let you make pictures of me. I
am too busy." Clearly the professor was entirely too modest to gratify
the wishes of the curious world.

"Now, Professor," said I, "will you tell me the history of the
discovery?"

[Illustration: COINS PHOTOGRAPHED INSIDE A PURSE.

From a photograph by A.A.C. Swinton, Victoria Street, London.]

"There is no hist