Selman's The Fundamentals of Imaging Physics and Radiobiology

Book excerpt: This tenth edition of Selman’s The Fundamentals of Imaging Physics and Radiobiology is the continuation of a seminal work in radiation physics and radiation biology first published by Joseph Selman, MD, in 1954 by Charles C Thomas, Publisher, Ltd., Springfield, IL. Many significant changes have been made in this tenth edition. Color photographs and new illustrations have been provided for several existing chapters and for the new chapters in this book. Revisions and updates have been completed for Chapters 1 through 28, whereas Chapters 29 to 33 are all new. The overall style of Doctor Selman is still present, but, with any revision, the style of the present author is also present. In essence, the author’s raison d’être in revising this book was to better reflect current radiology practice and to honor the work of Doctor Selman. Topics discussed in this textbook deal with the physics of x-radiation, the biological interaction of radiation with matter, and all aspects of imaging equipment and technology commonly found in the modern radiology department. The chapter on computed tomography (CT) has been heavily revised and updated. Protective measures regarding radiation safety and radiation hazards for workers and patients are thoroughly discussed and new chapters on dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound (US), fusion and molecular imaging have been added. This book will be very helpful to students about to take the ARRT (R) registry examination, but it is not a registry review book per se. This book also serves as a good overview of radiologic imaging physics for radiographers and other medical professionals.