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  • Article

The meanings of hurt

In the early modern period, gruesome incidents of self-castration and other types of self-injury garnished the literature of the time. Alanna Skuse explores the messages these wounds conveyed.

  • Article

The prostitute whose pox inspired feminists

Fitzrovia, 1875. A woman recorded only as A.G. enters hospital and is diagnosed with syphilis.

  • Article

The extraordinary body of Evatima Tardo

Darling of 19th-century American freak shows, Evatima Tardo remained serene as she withstood crucifixion and the bites of poisonous snakes. But she took the secret behind her abilities to her grave.

  • Article

On body horror and growing up strange

A young child’s unusual feelings, reactions and assertions are routinely dismissed by adults. Find out how manga horror stories became a source of strength, and helped them trust their adult body.

All stories (4)

Images

  • De morbis puerorum, or, a treatise of the diseases of children; with their causes, signs, prognosticks, and cures. For the benefit of such as do not understand the Latine tongue, and very useful for all such as are house-keepers, and have children ... / by Robert Pemell.
  • Tertiary syphilitic disease of the tongue
  • Tertiary syphilitic disease of the tongue
  • Tertiary syphilitic disease of the tongue
  • Tertiary syphilitic disease of the tongue
  • Tertiary syphilitic disease of the tongue
  • Tongue of a child with Bright's disease
  • Tongue, mouth, and moustache of a man with skin disease: two figures. Watercolour, 1892.
  • Tongue, mouth, and moustache of a man with skin disease: two figures. Watercolour, 1892.
  • The lower half of a face with a skin disease on the top lip; and another with a diseased tongue. Chromolithograph, c. 1888.
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Catalogue

All works (215)