The invention of the Coolidge X-ray tube in 1913 by the American physicist William Coolidge (1873-1975) marked a turning point in the history of radiology. Its stable, vacuum-based design allowed precise control over X-ray intensity and energy, making imaging safer, more reliable, and widely used in medical practice.

While the historical significance of these X-ray tubes is well established, detailed knowledge about the materials (glass and metal) used in their construction remains limited. This lack of information hinders a deeper understanding of the objects and the material choices made during their development. Moreover, material evidence of their actual use in medical settings—such as wear marks, residue, or structural alterations—has seldom been explored, yet may offer crucial insights into their functional life. 

This project seeks to address this gap by examining, from a materials science perspective, a collection of early 20th-century Coolidge X-ray tubes formerly used in both diagnostic imaging and radiation therapy. Currently housed at Casa Hermes Foundation in Aveiro, Portugal, these objects represent a valuable yet underexplored aspect of medical heritage.