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  • In pictures

A nasty history of the vaginal speculum

The vaginal speculum carries the weight of generations of preconceptions about morality, blame and attitudes to pain. Lalita Kaplish explores the history of the implement and how societies shaped its use.

  • Article

A brief history of ventilation

As ventilators continue to play an important part in helping very ill coronavirus patients, medical historian Dr Lindsey Fitzharris traces their development from the first attempts at mouth-to-mouth resuscitation through centuries of medical crises.

  • Article

A brief history of tattoos

The earliest evidence of tattoo art dates from 5000 BC, and the practice continues to hold meaning for many cultures around the world.

  • 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.

All stories (15)

Images

  • Henry Addington, Lord Sidmouth, holding a bottle of medicine. Coloured etching by C. Williams, 1807.
  • A barber-surgeon operating on a man's head; representing the sense of touch. Engraving, 16--.
  • A physician examining a urine specimen and taking the pulse of a sick woman. Engraving by W. French after C. Netscher.
  • An operator treating the carbuncled nose of an obese patient with "Perkins's tractors". Coloured aquatint after J. Gillray, 1801.
  • An operator treating the carbuncled nose of an obese patient with "Perkins's tractors". Coloured aquatint after J. Gillray, 1801.
  • An operator treating the carbuncled nose of an obese patient with "Perkins's tractors". Coloured aquatint after J. Gillray, 1801.
  • An operator treating the carbuncled nose of an obese patient with "Perkins's tractors". Coloured reproduction of an aquatint after J. Gillray, 1801.
  • A surgery where all fantasy and follies are purged and good qualities are prescribed. Line engraving by M. Greuter, c. 1600.
  • An operator treating Ann Ford, a society lady, with "Perkins's tractors", for her venomous tongue. Coloured etching by C. Williams, 1802.
  • An operator treating Ann Ford, a society lady, with "Perkins's tractors", for her venomous tongue. Coloured etching by C. Williams, 1802.
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Catalogue

All works (209)