“Q-RAY” TREATMENT.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 211, 6 August 1937, Page 2

“Q-RAY” TREATMENT.

BENEFIT TO INDUSTRY. LONDON, July 29. The “Q-ray” compress treatment for rheumatism and allied complaints was described by the secretary of the National Union of Railwayman as" the boldest and greatest contribution to the betterment of the health of the people that had been made for a generation. He said the treatment was successful in 90 per cent, of cases, and cost about £7 a case. In addition to millions of pounds saved to friendly societies and insurance companies, industry would also gain because useful workers would be saved from becoming human derelicts.

SPECIALISTS PUZZLED. AUCKLAND, Aug. 4, Inquiries in Auckland fail >to throw any light on the London cablegram in which the secretary of the National Union of* Railwaymen was reported to have hailed “Q-ray ’ compress treatment for rheumatism and allied complaints as “the boldest and greatest contribution to the health of . the people that had been made for a generation.”

A radiologist who was asked if he could explain the message said he had never heard of “Q-rays.” Ultra-violet and infra-red light rays had been used in the treatment of rheumatism, and considerable success bad been claimed, especially for infra-red ravs. The term “Q-rays” seemed to be no more scientific tlian “X-rays.” which was a popular expression dating hack many years to the early researches of Roentgen. and indicating simply that the exact nature of the ravs was not then known.

Another specialist, who confessed lnmself equallv puzzled, said he suspected that,the treatment was lxdtig introduced otherwise than through the recognised professional channels of publication. Tf the usual procedure were being followed there should be no need for a trade union leader to come forward as an advocate of the treatment.