Stories
- Article
The origins and meanings of pharmacy symbols
What have snakes, unicorns and crocodiles got to do with pharmacies? The history of these modern signs goes back to the Greek gods.
- Book extract
Eating their own kind
In his grisly history of cannibalism, zoologist Bill Schutt asks what drives an animal to feast on its own flesh and blood.
- Article
Rose Mackenberg’s deceptive activism
Discover how a New York private investigator became part of Houdini’s mission to expose the fraudulent mediums making money from their vulnerable, grieving clients.
- Book extract
The meaning of happiness
What is happiness? Tiffany Watt Smith charts how its definition has changed over time, from chance emotion to something that can be measured and controlled.
Catalogue
- Pictures
- Online
Crocodiles on the river, near Wadi Daboua, at sunset, Egypt. Coloured lithograph by Louis Haghe after David Roberts, 1848.
Roberts, David, 1796-1864.Date: 1 August 1848Reference: 33438iPart of: Egypt and Nubia- Pictures
Killalu, Djibouti: crocodiles at the edge of a pool. Coloured lithograph by A. Loeffler after J.M. Bernatz.
Bernatz, Johann Martin, 1802-1878.Date: [1852-1855]Reference: 3015911i
- Archives and manuscripts
- Online
M0003455: Stela of Horus on the crocodiles
Date: 15 March 1933Reference: WT/D/1/20/1/28/38Part of: Wellcome Trust Corporate Archive- Pictures
A doctor holding a medicine bottle entertains a crocodile, while other crocodiles bite his coat tails; illustrating the saying "Laughter is the best medicine". Coloured lithograph by A. Schaefer-Ast, 1947.
Schäfer-Ast, Albert, 1890-1951.Date: [19]47Reference: 652870i- Books
- Online
A chinese tale. Written originally by that prior of China the facetious Sou ma Quang, A Celebrated Mandarine of Letters; under the title of Chamgam tcho chang, or, Chamyam with her leg upon a table. First translated by a famous Missionary: And now Re-Translated by a Society of Linguists. Inscribed to Thomas Dawson Esq; Cornet in Lieutenant-General Honeywood's Dragoons. Price One Shilling. With a curious frontispiece, taken from a large China Punch-Bowl just come over, in that Gentleman's Possession; Design'd and Engrav'd by Mess. Gravelot and Scotin. Price One Shilling. The whole recommended to all Virtuosi and Curious Inspectors into Nature, whether of Crocodiles, Chimpanzees, Rhinoceroes, Anatomical Figures-Cum multis aliis. N. B. The Print will be sold for 2 s. 6 d. singly.
Hatchett, William, active 1730-1741.Date: [1740]