The NHS might only be 70 years old, but the idea of free healthcare goes back to Ancient Greece, when devout doctors provided their services without charge.

A verger's dream: Saints Cosmas and Damian performing a miraculous cure by transplantation of a leg. Oil painting attributed to the Master of Los Balbases, ca. 1495.

The ancient doctors who refused payment

The shortlist for the 2018 Wellcome Book Prize is announced, celebrating the best new books that illuminate our encounters with health, medicine and illness.

Shortlist revealed for Wellcome Book Prize 2018

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The ancient doctors who refused payment

Shortlist revealed for Wellcome Book Prize 2018