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  • Article

Bubbles of history

Since the 1960s, scientists have been able to study the air from past centuries by analysing particles in Arctic ice samples. But as the polar ice melts, the future of this research is changing.

  • In pictures

A short history of Christian martyrs and miracles

Join Ben Gazur as he explores the origins, relics and power of Christian martyrs, and their continuing relevance for Catholics in the 21st century.

  • Article

History of condoms from animal to rubber

Come on a journey from the first recorded condoms in the 16th century to the modern female condoms in the 1990s – and everything in between.

  • Article

Witches

Many of the women persecuted as witches in the 16th-century “witch craze” were over 50 and exhibited signs of menopause. Helen Foster suggests that the stigma of the wicked witch still affects older women and how they deal with menopause.

All stories (24)

Images

  • A clergyman in a coffin holding a crozier is surrounded by a group of mourners. Line block.
  • Edward VI granting letters, Strangers' Church in London
  • An alchemist stoking a furnace, surrounded by well dressed onlookers: a banquet takes place in the background. Etching by C. Murer, ca. 1600-1614.
  • A French lady from the Ancien Régime sympathizing with a young cleric who has toothache. Coloured etching by T.L. Busby, 1825.
  • The confirmation ceremony for a group of boys; one of them confuses confirmation with vaccination. Coloured aquatint by G. Hunt, 1831.
  • The confirmation ceremony for a group of boys; one of them confuses confirmation with vaccination. Coloured aquatint by G. Hunt, 1831.
  • The confirmation ceremony for a group of boys; one of them confuses confirmation with vaccination. Coloured aquatint by G. Hunt, 1831.
  • Innocence attacked from four corners by "Iudex", "Persequutiō", "Avaritia" and "Invidia"; Justice looks down from above. Etching by C. Murer after himself, c. 1600-1614.
  • A wealthy bürger refuses charity to an old couple. Etching by C. Murer after himself, c. 1600-1614.
  • Plates of a cleft fossil, melons of stone and the ruined church of St. Iuan d'Akari. Line engraving after C. de Bruins, c.1704.
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