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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.

  • Article

Diagnosed bipolar, prescribed lithium

In the first part of a series looking into lithium, Laura Grace Simpkins recounts the beginning of her troubled relationship with this mysterious drug.

  • Article

When skin bleaching goes wrong

Warnings about permanent health damage don’t deter those using skin-bleaching products for years on end. Read the story of one woman who suffered from liver failure after years of striving to be paler.

  • Article

Illuminated manuscripts, illuminating medicines

From rare bugs to exorbitantly priced plant parts, find out more about the artistic and medical uses of pigments from the past.

All stories (11)

Images

  • Mercury [Hermes]. Engraving.
  • Mercury [Hermes]. Engraving.
  • Mercury. Photographic postcard, 191-.
  • Mercury. Photographic postcard, 191-.
  • Astronomy: the god Mercury; representing the planet Mercury. Engraving by N. Dorigny, 1695, after Raphael, 1516.
  • Mercury (Hermes). Photograph by Alinari.
  • Mercury [Hermes]. Engraving by Basire.
  • Mercury deity from The Surgeon's Mate
  • Mercury [Hermes]. Etching by F. Perrier.
  • Mercury [Hermes Trismegistus]. Etching by Cook.
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Catalogue

All works (1.5K)