Medical Images -- Using Search Engines
A number of popular Web search engines now include the ability to search for images. However, they are primarily searching the text associated with or located near the image, not necessarily the actual content of the image. Another factor to remember when using these image search engines is that they will simply locate pictures that are on various Websites. There is no easy way to tell if you are allowed to use the image. Each image would have to be investigated on a case-by-case basis. Most of the engines return thumbnail (or small) versions of the picture. By clicking on the thumbnail image, you will go to the Website where the image is found. Look around on the page (especially at the bottom) for copyright information, or the e-mail address of the Webmaster, who you might contact to ask permission for using the image.

Altavista Images Search

Search engine to find images on the Internet. Advanced Image Search allows you to limit your results to Photos, Graphics or Buttons/Banners. You can also choose color or black/white/grayscale. Format: Website    Provider: Altavista

Ditto

Ditto provides visual search of the Web using pictures. Users are linked to the originating Website on which the pictures are located. Should you wish to use any picture, photo or artwork you see during the search process, you must obtain the appropriate permission from the owner of the material. Format: Website    Provider: Ditto

Google Images

Provides search engine for locating images on the Internet. Allows you to use an Advanced Image Search page to refine your search. Options include size ranges, coloration, file types and more. Format: Website    Provider: Google

Yahoo Picture Gallery

Yahoo! Picture Gallery is a free collection of pictures, include health topics. Format: Website    Provider: Yahoo!