The First Demonstration of X-rays in Puerto Rico: June 1897.

Internationally, the first reaction to the discovery of x-rays was a mixture of wonder, experimentation, fascination with a scientific novelty carrying other-worldly resonance, and recognition of potential dangers. Puerto Rico was not an exception. The news arrived in seven weeks, although the equipment (apparently from New York) arrived a year and a half later (June 1897). The readily apparent common denominator for this group of first users is political affiliation, but they were connected by a variety of experiences, despite differences in race, class, and religious ideas. As in other places, x-ray use increased slowly and was available in several cities in Puerto Rico by 1911.