The History of Radioactivity and its Applications in Hygiene and Therapy
Authors
Carmela Romana Natalina Corrao
Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases
Carla Serarcangeli
Section of History of Medicine - Sapienza, University of Rome, I
Keywords:
Radioactivity , Medical Applications, Radioactive Products
Abstract
Since Antiquity, the observation of matter and its composition has been fascinating for the human mind. It represented the core of philosophical studies since the atomistic theory by Leucippus and Democritus, as well as of the opposed theory of elements by Empedocles, Plato and Aristoteles. Research on the atom, on its spontaneous or artificial disgregation, on the practical application of radioactive substances has strongly influenced daily life and the development of knowledge. Products containing radioactive substances have been used, often without regulation or control, in many scientific fields, as well as in medicine and cosmetics.
