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Stories

  • Article

The origins and meanings of pharmacy symbols

What have snakes, unicorns and crocodiles got to do with pharmacies? The history of these modern signs goes back to the Greek gods.

  • In pictures

The eyes have it

In 1583, eye specialist Georg Bartisch published a book detailing the treatments he’d developed for various eye disorders. Today his approach seems to mix surprising innovation with entirely contemporary religious judgement.

  • Article

Spiritual joy

Spiritual joy can be a source of strength. Like the optimistic Pollyanna, there’s a lot to be said for finding reasons to rejoice, even in adversity.

  • In pictures

A short history of Christian martyrs and miracles

Join Ben Gazur as he explores the origins, relics and power of Christian martyrs, and their continuing relevance for Catholics in the 21st century.

All stories (70)

Images

  • Gods watch from the heavens as the Flood engulfs the terrified people. Etching.
  • Chinese gods. Pen and ink.
  • Gods watch from the heavens as the Flood engulfs the terrified people of Earth. Etching.
  • Animal gods (?). Tapestry by a Tibetan artist.
  • Three Indian gods and goddesses. Drawings by an Indian artist.
  • Three Indian gods: left, Bhairav(?); center, Ganesh; right, Shiva. Drawings by an Indian artist.
  • Hermaphroditus in the pool of the spring-nymph Salmacis, who begged the gods that they be joined for all time; the gods acceded and they became one, male and female. Engraving by Colinet after F. Albani.
  • Hermaphroditus in the pool of the spring-nymph Salmacis, who has asked the gods to join them together for all time; the gods acceeded and they became one, male and female. Engraving by A. Romanet after Boul after Paolo de Matteis.
  • Three Navajo men proceeding as war gods: Tonenili, Tobadzischini and Nayenezgani. Photograph by Edward S. Curtis, 1904.
  • Three Navajo men proceeding as war gods: Tonenili, Tobadzischini and Nayenezgani. Photograph by Edward S. Curtis, 1904.
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