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Stories

  • 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

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.

  • Article

The tale of the toxic kidneys

In 1954 a serendipitous coming together of skills and circumstances allowed the first successful organ transplant to take place. Read how Richard Herrick’s life was prolonged by his identical twin’s generosity.

  • Article

Bleeding healthy

For thousands of years, and in many different cultures, people have practised bloodletting for health and medical reasons. Julia Nurse explains where and when bleeding was used, how it was done, and why.

All stories (8)

Images

  • Blood-vessels and their role in circulation of blood. Coloured lithograph by William Fairland, 1837.
  • William Harvey demonstrating his theory of circulation of blood before Charles I. Oil painting by Ernest Board.
  • William Harvey demonstrating his theory of circulation of blood before Charles I. Oil painting by Ernest Board.
  • William Harvey demonstrating with a stag the circulation of the blood to a group of students. Lithograph.
  • The muscles of the abdomen; the heart, its muscles and the circulation of the blood. Engraving, 18th century.
  • The circulatory and respiratory systems: heart and lungs, with the circulation of blood through the heart. Chromolithograph by H.J. Ruprecht, 1877.
  • Blood circulation in the respiratory system, showing the pulmonary artery and vein. Ink and white paint on paper, with acetate overlay, by D. Vaihinger, 1975.
  • Blood circulation in the respiratory system, showing the pulmonary artery and vein. Ink and white paint on paper, with acetate overlay, by D. Vaihinger, 1975.
  • Ten demonstrations of digestion, blood circulation, breathing, bone structure, smell, hearing, sight, touch, taste, the nervous system, and muscle structure. Coloured lithograph by C. Bethmont, ca. 1860 (?).
  • Ten demonstrations of digestion, blood circulation, breathing, bone structure, smell, hearing, sight, touch, taste, the nervous system, and muscle structure. Coloured lithograph by C. Bethmont, ca. 1860 (?).
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All works (1.3K)