Stories
- In pictures
Fake news in the 17th century
An uncanny resemblance to today’s Twitter tiffs characterises a 17th-century argument about demons. Read what happened when the printing presses went into overdrive.
- Article
Deadly doses and the hardest of hard drugs
The invention of the modern hypodermic syringe meant we could get high – or accidentally die – faster than before. Find out how this medical breakthrough was adapted for deadly uses.
- In pictures
The celebrity physician and the plague
The iconic “plague prevention costume” invented by a 17th-century French doctor secured his fame in royal circles. But other aspects of Charles de Lorme’s career made him a controversial figure.
- Article
Devilry and doom in 1666
Disastrous events and a significant combination of numbers signalled the end – or perhaps a new beginning – in 1666. But for some, this feverish period fuelled unprecedented inventiveness and development.
![Inventions: a rat-trap (top) a bellows (centre) and an electrical capacitor [?] (below). Engraving.](https://iiif.wellcomecollection.org/image/V0025406/full/282%2C/0/default.jpg)
Catalogue
- Archives and manuscripts
Inventions
Date: c. 1790Reference: MS.3003- Archives and manuscripts
Inventions
Date: 1950sReference: GC/276/BPart of: Hall-Tomkin, Dr Harry- Archives and manuscripts
Inventions - Commercial
Date: 1981Reference: SB/4/1/334Part of: Sydney Brenner Collection- Books
Inventions and appliances : 1914-1918.
Date: [1918?]- Archives and manuscripts
Inventions That Have Shaped Man's World
Date: 1982Reference: WF/M/PB/31/22Part of: Wellcome Foundation Ltd