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  • 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.

  • Long read

Primodos, paternalism and the fight to be heard

Journalist Florence Wildblood examines the case of Primodos – a conveniently quick but risky hormone pregnancy test that was prescribed in the 1960s and ’70s – and profiles two women at the story’s shocking heart.

  • Article

The current that kills

In the 19th century, electricity held life in the balance, with the power to execute – or reanimate.

  • Article

Chasing spring

Isabella Kaminski reflects on a transformative journey that saw her cycle the length of the UK, tracking the first signs of spring. She explores what the changing seasons can tell us about ourselves and the climate crisis.

All stories (5)

Images

  • Scheuchzer, 1731-33: frogs
  • Two frogs. Watercolour drawing.
  • The plague of frogs. Coloured etching.
  • Frogs: eleven figures showing the skeleton, circulatory system, and stages of development of the frog. Chromolithograph by H.J. Ruprecht, 1877.
  • Watercolour painting of two frogs in a lily pond.
  • A tortoise is surrounded by frogs on the shore of a lake in which eels are devouring other frogs. Etching by W. Hollar for a fable by Aesop.
  • Frogs conducting a duel: one frog has killed another with his sword, watched by their seconds. Photograph by J.P. Soule, 1876, after a drawing.
  • Electricity: electrical equipment, batteries, etc., and frogs' legs. Engraving, 18--, by Cooper.
  • Two bulls fighting by a pond; frogs in the foreground. Etching by S. Howitt.
  • Aaron points his rod at the river and it begins to flow with frogs. Etching.
All images (171)

Catalogue

All works (437)