Stories
- Article
The secret lives of Britain’s first Black physicians
Dr Annabel Sowemimo explores the web of connections between early Black British doctors, the role of empire in West Africa and the pernicious reach of scientific racism.
- Article
Between sickness and health
In early 2020, the subject Will Rees was studying – imaginary illnesses – took on a new relevance as everyone anxiously scanned themselves for Covid symptoms each day. But this kind of self-scrutiny is nothing new, as he reveals.
- Article
How slums make people sick
A newly gentrified corner of Bermondsey leaves little clue to its less salubrious history. But a few intrepid writers recorded the details of existence in one of London’s most squalid slums.
- Book extract
Of incubators, orchids and artificial wombs
In this extract from Claire Horn’s new book, ‘Eve: The Disobedient Future of Birth’, she traces the development of the artificial womb, soon to become a reality.
Catalogue
- Pictures
- Online
A lecturer (William Kitchiner?) about to address a lecture on optics with the aid of candles, a telescope and magic lantern to a seated audience, he is interrupted by a Kentish hop merchant. Coloured etching, 1809, after G.M. Woodward.
Woodward, G. M. (George Moutard), approximately 1760-1809.Date: [1809?]Reference: 15968i- Pictures
- Online
A man is woken by the ghost of a friend calling to him: he crosses his bedroom in a nightshirt and holding a candle, and is annoyed to find it is a cat. Engraving, 1801.
Date: 24t jany. 1801Reference: 36025i- Pictures
- Online
A convalescing woman trying in vain to rouse her slumbering hired nurse: the cat scavenges her food and the candle sets light to the carpet. Coloured etching by N. Heideloff, 1807, after T. Rowlandson.
Rowlandson, Thomas, 1756-1827.Date: October 1807Reference: 11876iPart of: Miseries of human life- Pictures
A staunch magistrate surprised by the apparition of a radical demon. Etching by G. Cruikshank, 1835.
Date: 1 August 1835Reference: 12244i- Pictures
- Online
King George III analysing the residue from a large glass retort containing a small figure; representing the English view of Napoleon. Coloured aquatint by T. West, 1803.
West, Temple, approximately 1740-1783.Date: July 1803Reference: 12196i