The second edition of this highly successful, original text discusses the production and characterization of X-rays. The book focuses on the fundamentals of X-ray physical properties from an experimental viewpoint. SI units are used throughout and the material has been updated thoroughly to reflect the changes in the use of X-rays and recent developments in the field. The text begins with a survey of work conducted before 1945. Continuous and characteristic spectra are discussed, followed by a description of techniques used in their study. Further studies of production, absorption and scattering in atomic and nuclear processes are described, including a completely new chapter on X-ray production by protons, alpha-particles and ions.