An unprecedented sensation-public reaction to the discovery of X-rays

Since discoveries in physics are usually spread via technical journals, they are rarely the focus of public interest. It was different with Wilhelm Rontgen`s preliminary communication, On a new kind of rays. On 5 January 1896 a report in the Vienna Presse succeeded in bringing the Wurzburg X-rays to the attention of popular newspapers, magazines and finally to the experts as well.