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  • Article

The big freeze

In recent years we’ve come to realise that global heating is our biggest threat. But it’s hard to shake off the fear of a return to ice-age conditions, the predominant narrative since the late 17th century.

  • Article

Delusional recycling and the problem with plastic

Many of us are guilty of wishful thinking when it comes to our rubbish. Arianne Shahvisi exposes shaky recycling infrastructure and overseas dumping, arguing for an end to waste colonialism.

  • Article

Making sunstroke insanity

Medical historian Dr Kristin Hussey takes a closer look at sunstroke and mental illness, and how, in the late 19th century, they connected at the crossroads of colonial science and the idea of whiteness.

  • Article

The Martians are coming

For over a hundred years, antagonistic alien invaders have been a popular focus for the imagined end of the world. But the destructive consequences of human behaviour is far more frightening.

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Images

  • Nouvelle méthode pour pomper le mauvais air des vaisseaux, &c / par Samuel Sutton. Avec une dissertation sur le scorbut, par le Docteur Mead, et une suite d'expériences du Docteur Desaguliers, sur les moyens d'échauffer l'air, de le renouveller, &c. Ourvages traduits de l'anglais par M. Lavirotte.
  • Ship fumigation using hydrogen cyanide: the outside of the ship showing portholes. Photograph by P. G. Stock, 1900/1920.
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