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  • Long read

Primodos, paternalism and the fight to be heard

Journalist Florence Wildblood examines the case of Primodos – a conveniently quick but risky hormone pregnancy test that was prescribed in the 1960s and ’70s – and profiles two women at the story’s shocking heart.

  • Article

Ways appear

While his sense of body shame meant the personal side of his life was unfulfilled, Chris’s career was rewarding. His own childhood experiences gave him profound empathy for the children he worked with.

  • 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.

  • Article

The prostitute whose pox inspired feminists

Fitzrovia, 1875. A woman recorded only as A.G. enters hospital and is diagnosed with syphilis.

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  • Feuilleton du Temps du 9 novembre 1911 : causerie scientifique : le monde vivant / Edmond Perrier.
  • Feuilleton du Temps du 9 novembre 1911 : causerie scientifique : le monde vivant / Edmond Perrier.
  • [Small leaflet advertising appearances by Roberts's Greatest Phenomenon of the Age (late of the Crystal Palace), a "young lady born without arms", at The Horn of Plenty, Whitecross Street [London?]].
  • [Undated handbill (Easter week, 1898?) advertising an exhibition of Madame Babault, the real Lobster-Clawed Lady, with hand and feet deformities approximating lobster / crab claws].
  • [Undated handbill (Easter week, 1898?) advertising an exhibition of Madame Babault, the real Lobster-Clawed Lady, with hand and feet deformities approximating lobster / crab claws].
  • Missgeburt : In dem marggrävischen Gebiet 2 Meil von Nürnberg : anno 1669, Sonntags den 2 Mai, zu Nachts zwischen 11 und 12 Uhr hat Andreas Hurmans, Stadt Rühehirtens zu Schwabach Eheweib, diss Kind zur Welt geboren ... der Name UDUS gegeben worden.
  • The eighth wonder!! : the celebrated Miss Beffin, miniature painter, will exhibit her wondrous powers, in a commodious booth, during this present fair : a young lady who was born deficient of arms, hands and legs ...
  • The eighth wonder!! : the celebrated Miss Beffin, miniature painter, will exhibit her wondrous powers, in a commodious booth, during this present fair : a young lady who was born deficient of arms, hands and legs ...
  • [Leaflet advertising appearances by 16 month old "plus beau phénomène du 19e siècle" with no arms and one leg at the Foire Au Pain D'Épice in Paris, 17 April 1881. The child was born in Ghent in Belgium].
  • This is to acquaint the nobility, gentry and the curious in general : to be seen ... during the time of the fair, the surprising Italian Dwarf, two feet six inches high, 25 years of age, born without arms, legs, or thighs. Yet has feet and hands.
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