Papers of John Scott

• Published Papers, 1940–1974;
• Correspondence, 1941–1980
• Technical and Teaching Notes, 1939–1974
• Research: History of Radiology and History of the Society of Radiologists, 1959–1980;
• Photographs, Slides and Films, 1950–1974;
• Journals, Brochures etc., 1910-1983.

John Scott, born 1897, commenced work as an Apprentice Scientific and Electrical Engineer in Lord Kelvin’s Laboratory, Glasgow, in 1912. His first contact with X-rays came in 1914, when he was sent to repair equipment at the home of Dr. John Macintyre, a pioneer Radiologist, who was Director of the X-ray Department at Glasgow Royal Infirmary (GRI). In 1918 on the recommendation of Dr. Macintyre, Scott was appointed Radiographer in the X-ray department at GRI, becoming radiographer-in-charge one year later. He obtained a Diploma in Electrical Engineering from the Royal Technical College, Glasgow in 1922 and in that same year passed the examinations to become a member of the Society of Radiographers, London (M.S.R.). Elected as a Fellow of the Society (F.S.R.) in 1932, he was instrumental in establishing the Scottish branch, serving as its Secretary, Treasurer and Chairman. He became a member of the National Council in 1946, served as President of the Society 1950 – 1952 and was subsequently awarded an Honorary Fellowship.

John Scott established the training school for Student Radiographers at GRI in 1936 and in 1938 was appointed as an examiner for the Fellowship and Membership of the Society of Radiographers, serving in this capacity until 1973. Responsible for several technical developments in the field of Radiography, including the Scott Localiser, John Scott was a frequent contributor to the professional journals and appeared as a guest lecturer throughout the UK and Western Europe. He was elected a Fellow of the International Faculty of Scientists (F.I.F.Sc.) in 1940 on presentation of a thesis on "Protection from X-radiation".

John Scott retired from his position as Superintendent Radiographer and Teacher at GRI in 1961, remaining as part-time Organiser and Teacher of the School of Radiology until 1965. In retirement he continued to travel, lecture and maintained an active interest in the affairs of the Society of Radiologists. In 1970 he was awarded one of the Society’s Golden Jubilee Medals for his services to radiography and radiotherapy. He devoted a significant proportion of his time to researching the history of Radiology and the Society of Radiologists, producing a film about the life and work of Dr. John Macintyre. John Scott died in 1983, aged 86.