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  • Article

Cocaine, the Victorian wonder drug

Today, cocaine has a very poor public image as one of the causes of crime and violence. But for the Victorians it was welcomed as the saviour of modern surgery.

  • Article

Getting the measure of pain

In the 20th century doctors tried to find a way to measure pain. But even when ‘objective’ measures were rejected, an accurate understanding of another’s pain remained frustratingly elusive.

  • Article

The case of the cancerous stomach

Steak and schnitzel were on the menu again after Theodor Billroth successfully excised a woman’s stomach cancer in 1881. Remarkably, today’s surgeons still perform the same procedure, with slight modifications.

  • Article

The extraordinary body of Evatima Tardo

Darling of 19th-century American freak shows, Evatima Tardo remained serene as she withstood crucifixion and the bites of poisonous snakes. But she took the secret behind her abilities to her grave.

All stories (22)

Images

  • Anaesthetic: Neonatal, 1955
  • Mouse receiving anaesthetic
  • Mouse receiving anaesthetic
  • Anaesthetic exhibition, 1946.
  • Canine dentistry, anaesthetic
  • Anaesthetic exhibition, 1946.
  • Anaesthetic exhibition, 1946.
  • Anaesthetic exhibition, 1946.
  • Anaesthetic exhibition, 1946.
  • Dog castration, injecting anaesthetic
All images (171)

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