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30 results
  • Catharanthus roseus (L.)G.Don Apocynaceae. Madagascar Periwinkle Distribution: Madagascar. It is the source of vincristine and vinblastine, which impair cell multiplication by interfering with microtubule assembly, causing metaphase arrest and are effective medications for leukaemias, lymphomas and some solid tumours. The mortality from childhood leukaemia fell from 100% to 30% once it was introduced - not a drug that could ethically be tested by double-blind trials. These chemicals were initially discovered by investigators in 1958 who were looking for cures for diabetes so tested this plant which was being used in the West Indies to reduce blood sugar levels. There are 70 different alkaloids present in this plant, and some - catharanthine, leurosine sulphate, lochnerine, tetrahydroalstonine, vindoline and vindolinine - lower blood sugar levels. However, the toxicity of this plant is such that this is not a plant to try at home for diabetic management. The vincristine content of the plant is 0.0003%, so two kilograms of leaf are required to produce sufficient vincristine for a single course of treatment for a child (6gm). Fortunately it is a vigorous weed and easy to grow in the tropics. Artificial synthesis has now been achieved. Photographed in the Medicinal Garden of the Royal College of Physicians, London.
  • Crétins and idiots : a short account of the progress of the institutes for their relief and cure / R.T.
  • King Edward VII Sanatorium, Midhurst, Sussex: nurses and medical staff (?) about to dine. Photograph, 1907.
  • Mary Toft (Tofts) appearing to give birth to rabbits in the presence of several surgeons and man-midwives sent from London to examine her. Etching by W. Hogarth, 1726.
  • Mary Toft (Tofts) appearing to give birth to rabbits in the presence of several surgeons and man-midwives sent from London to examine her. Etching by W. Hogarth, 1726.
  • Mesmeric therapy. Oil painting by a French (?) painter, 1778/1784.
  • Mesmeric therapy. Oil painting by a French (?) painter, 1778/1784.
  • Mesmeric therapy. Oil painting by a French (?) painter, 1778/1784.
  • Mesmeric therapy. Oil painting by a French (?) painter, 1778/1784.
  • Mesmeric therapy. Oil painting by a French (?) painter, 1778/1784.
  • Mesmeric therapy. Oil painting by a French (?) painter, 1778/1784.
  • Mesmeric therapy. Oil painting by a French (?) painter, 1778/1784.
  • Symbiosis, embroidery on fabric. 2015
  • John Heaviside. Coloured mezzotint by R. Earlom, 1803, after J. Zoffany.
  • John Heaviside. Coloured mezzotint by R. Earlom, 1803, after J. Zoffany.
  • John Heaviside. Mezzotint by R. Earlom, 1803, after J. Zoffany.
  • The ghost of the revolutionary politician Mirabeau giving an address. Coloured etching, 1791.
  • Entertainment ephemera. Box 1.
  • Veronicastrum virginicum 'Pink Glow'
  • Veronicastrum virginicum 'Pink Glow'
  • Thomas Dromgoole speaking at a meeting of the Catholic Board in Dublin; represented as Doctor Drum "letting the cat out of the bag". Coloured etching, 1813.
  • Playground of the Home and Colonial Infant School Society, London. Wood engraving, c. 1840.
  • A trio of quack doctors attending to Britannia: the Earl of Bute with an ass's head blindfolds a woman who is vomiting into a bowl held by Louis XV as a baboon: Tobias Smollett takes her pulse;while Henry Fox approaches her with a clyster-pipe; representing the loss of British assets to France in the Treaty of Paris. Etching attributed to Paul Sandby, 1762.
  • The healer.
  • The healer.
  • The healer.
  • The healer.
  • The healer.
  • The healer.
  • Vitex agnus-castus var. latifolia