Right vs Left

After posting the last post, I realized that my time spent reading X-rays may have created some confusion in the last post. When reading an X-ray, you describe findings based on the side of the findings in the patient. Therefore, a right pneumothorax is on the patient's right side, even though it is on the left side of the image displayed in front of you.

When I mentioned that Dr Cofer was on the right side of the picture, I meant that he was actually on the right side of the stage. He is actually on the left side of the picture. One of the invaders is on the left side of the stage, but on the right side of the picture. I didn't figure that you all would have difficulties differentiating the two, but just wanted to make sure that you knew that I didn't.

Actually, the more that I think about, the more I think that I am incorrect in describing Dr Cofer as being on the left side of the picture. If you are ascribing sidedness to a picture, you are giving it a human attribute. If you are therefore talking about a picture as though it possessed sidedness just as a person does, then Dr Cofer is on the picture's right side while the visiting invader is on the left side of the picture.

To make things clearer, perhaps I should say that Dr Cofer is on your left side as you look at the picture. However, that might lead you to believe that he wasn't in the picture, but actually stood by your side. It would also be incorrect if you happen to be reading this blog while standing on your head or while reading the reflection of your computer screen off of a mirror.

Ahhh the joy of making complexity out of what appears simple.