Serge Cacaly's *Röntgen et les images du corps* explores the groundbreaking discovery of X-rays by Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen in 1895 and its revolutionary impact on medical diagnostics and scientific understanding of the human body. The book delves into the historical context of late 19th-century physics, detailing how Röntgen’s accidental observation of penetrating radiation led to the first radiographic images—most famously, the skeletal image of his wife’s hand. Cacaly examines both the scientific principles behind X-ray technology and its rapid adoption across Europe, highlighting early applications, public fascination, and ethical debates surrounding privacy and safety. With a focus on the intersection of science, medicine, and society, this concise yet insightful volume traces the evolution from experimental curiosity to clinical tool, emphasizing how Röntgen’s work laid the foundation for modern medical imaging techniques such as CT scans and MRIs. Richly contextualized within the broader narrative of scientific progress, the book serves as an accessible introduction to one of the most transformative innovations in medical history.

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