Wellcome uses cookies.

Read our policy
Wellcome Collection homepage
All
Stories
Images
Catalogue
Events

Stories

  • In pictures

Superstition, contagion and medical rumour

The great generator of confusion, rumours have not spared human health from their chaos. Find out how whispers, gossip and rumours have caused medical mishaps through the ages.

  • 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.

  • In pictures

Moles’ feet, dried frogs and other folk medicines

Early-20th-century folklorist Edward Lovett made it his mission to discover the nation’s beliefs and superstitions, collecting amulets from cottage cupboards up and down the country.

  • Article

The evil eye and social anxiety

The ‘look’ of the evil eye is believed to bring bad luck, illness or even death. This ancient curse might be deliberate, inflicted with an envious glare, or it could be accidental, the result of undue attention or excessive praise.

All stories (9)

Images

  • Symbols and talismans from Hindu, pagan and Jewish religions illustrating superstition. Engraving.
  • Truth represented as the word of God assailed by persecution, superstition, tradition, betrayal and violence. Etching by C. Murer after himself, c. 1600-1614.
  • A rosary, a medallion of St Benedict, a charm said to cause loss of eyesight, and hands showing lines and features to be interpreted by palmistry (including lines forecasting violent death); all illustrating 'superstition'. Engraving.
  • On superstitions connected with the history and practice of medicine and surgery / By Thomas Joseph Pettigrew.
  • The hand of destiny : the folk-lore and superstitions of everyday life / by C.J.S. Thompson.
  • The pains of gout could be eased by boiling rosemary leaves and tying them, wrapped in linen, round the afflicted members. Encyclopaedia of Superstitions, E. & M. Radford : 'Zyloric' Allopurinol.
  • The pains of gout could be eased by boiling rosemary leaves and tying them, wrapped in linen, round the afflicted members. Encyclopaedia of Superstitions, E. & M. Radford : 'Zyloric' Allopurinol.
  • If anyone suffering from sore throat ties his (or her) left stocking round his throat on going to bed, he will be better in the morning. Encyclopaedia of Superstitions, E. & M. A. Radford.
  • If anyone suffering from sore throat ties his (or her) left stocking round his throat on going to bed, he will be better in the morning. Encyclopaedia of Superstitions, E. & M. A. Radford.
  • A postcard a lucky charm which is illustrated by a hunchback. Chromolithograph.
All images (80)

Catalogue

All works (612)