This paper is a detailed introduction to the newest imaging techniques used in medicine, computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, both of which harness the power of the computer to process images. The computer decodes the raw data and reconstructs the image based on mathematical formulas. These two imaging techniques have allowed dramatically improved viewing of the interior of the human body, in many cases eliminating the need for more invasive radiologic procedures and exploratory surgery.

The author describes in general terms the physics and mathematics of the way in which the images are obtained and processed. A reasonable familiarity with the principles of physics and mathematics is necessary to appreciate the paper. It would be of most interest to a biophysicist, a natural scientist needing an introduction to the field of medical imaging, or a radiology trainee who needs a theoretical understanding of the principles behind the images.