Stories
- 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
When monarchs healed the sick
Our current Queen fortunately doesn’t have to spend hours laying hands on the sick to cure them. But it was a different story for monarchs of the early modern era, whose touch was a sought-after treatment for scrofula.
- Article
Theriac: An ancient brand?
The name theriac survived for around for two millennia as a pharmaceutical term. But a ‘brand’ name is not always a guarantee of quality.
- Article
The healing power of breathing
The healing powers of different breathing methods are said to help with a range of health challenges, from asthma to PTSD. Effie Webb traces their spiritual origins and explores the modern proliferation of breathwork therapies.
Catalogue
- Books
Codices Vossiani chymici / décrits par P.C. Boeren.
Boeren, P. C., 1909-1994.Date: 1975
- Archives and manuscripts
- Online
Mss notes made by John Kitching on legislation
Date: c 1870sReference: RET/5/9/6/4Part of: The Retreat Archive
- Pictures
A patient jumping up and screaming with pain while a surgeon is treating his leg; an onlooking woman seems to be pleading with the surgeon. Etching by J.G. van Vliet, c. 1630.
Reference: 22556i
- Pictures
A Dutch physician taking the pulse of a female patient, a urine flask in a wicker basket is on a table beside them. Engraving by P. Basan, 16--, after G. Ter Borch, the younger.
Ter Borch, Gerrit, the younger, 1617-1662.Date: 1700-1799Reference: 21645i
- Books
- Online
Shakspere's family as patients.
Griffiths, L. M. (Lemuel Matthews)Date: [1891]