About

Foreword

This selection covers the long history of the X-ray tube from the early days of 1896 when Roentgen first announced his discovery. It also includes a certain number of accessories that accompanied this discovery and contributed, in the decades that followed, to the development of the “fine art” that radiology has become.

“I would like to express my deep gratitude to the generous donators of many precious items in the collection, and my thanks to all friends, colleagues and fellow collectors who have contributed valuable information, texts or references.

In the case where reliable information on certain items may have either been unavailable, scarce or incomplete, any references, corrections, or additions would be deeply appreciated.” - Dr. Zahi N. Hakim, M.D.

History

In the Spring of 2019, Dr. Zahi Hakim generously gifted the Lebanese American University the collection of X-ray tubes and radiology antiques he had painstakingly sought, acquired and maintained over more than 60 years. The collection is now on display at the Chagoury Health Sciences building in Byblos, next to the auditorium, where it can be viewed by visitors and LAU’s medical scholars.

In addition to the collection itself, Dr. Zahi Hakim had developed a website, providing more information about these antiques. We are recreating the site in this section to ensure that it is properly maintained, and continues to add value to the physical display.

Biography of Dr. Zahi Hakim

Dr. Zahi Hakim has been practicing medicine for decades. He obtained his medical degree from St. Joseph University in 1956 before specializing in diagnostic radiology at the Institut Français de Radiologie, Hôtel-Dieu de France in Beirut. He went on to complete multiple rounds of training in France and Germany, won a fellowship in neuro-radiology at Massachusetts General Hospital, and co-founded the School of X-ray Technologists at Notre-Dame du Liban Hospital in Jounieh.

Dr. Hakim also established the Medical Imaging Department at Rizk Hospital, now the LAU Medical Center-Rizk Hospital, where he worked until his retirement in 2006.

Throughout his storied and successful career, Dr. Hakim has nurtured a unique hobby collecting antique X-ray tubes and accessories. He donated his massive collection, which goes back to the invention of X-ray technology in the 19th century, to the Lebanese American University’s Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine. The collection is being housed at the Chagoury Health Sciences Building on LAU’s Byblos campus.