The discovery of X-rays by Wilhelm Röntgen in 1895 was quickly applied to paleontology, allowing scientists to examine fossils non-invasively for the first time. This technology enabled paleontologists to study the internal structure of bones and teeth, including previously hidden features like brain cavities and sinuses. X-ray technology revolutionized the way fossils could be studied, providing new insights without destroying the specimens.

The application of X-ray technology to fossils provided a new way of 'seeing' the past, a visual technology that revealed hidden depths and structures. This has influenced how we imagine the past, allowing us to conceive of the unseen inner life of ancient creatures. The idea of penetrating the surface to reveal a hidden history has been a rich source of metaphor and inspiration for poets throughout the 20th and 21st centuries.