Stories
- In pictures
A medical history of smoking, from cure to killer
Today smoking is seen publicly as a deadly vice, privately perhaps as more of a guilty pleasure. Follow tobacco’s journey over the centuries from medical remedy to killer carcinogen.
- In pictures
Hookah smoking in colonial Calcutta
Hookah smoking began in the royal courts of Mughal India, and like many other local customs, it was readily adopted by British colonials in the 18th century as a symbol of wealth and status.
- 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.
- Article
Booze and bad behaviour
Our love of alcohol is like a party that’s lasted nine centuries. But there are signs that the demon drink is losing its appeal.
Catalogue
- Archives and manuscripts
Paxton, Richard (fl. mid 18th century - late 18th century)
Paxton, Richard (fl. mid 18th century - late 18th century)Date: 1799Reference: MS.3820- Archives and manuscripts
Boerhaave, Hermann (1668-1738)
Boerhaave, Hermann, 1668-1738.Date: early 18th century - mid 18th centuryReference: MSS.1279-1285- Archives and manuscripts
Personal material
Date: 18th century - 19th centuryReference: MS.6137Part of: Jurin, James (1684-1750), physician and Secretary of the Royal Society- Archives and manuscripts
On chronic diseases
Fordyce, George, 1736-1802Date: 18th century - 19th centuryReference: MS.2400Part of: Fordyce, George (1736-1802)- Archives and manuscripts
Italian Miscellany on Turkish Affairs
Date: 17th century - 18th centuryReference: MS.6106