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  • In pictures

Graphic Gallery: Blue

Earth is often known as the ‘blue planet’. Its blue skies and seas represent the air we breathe and the water we drink.

  • Article

The doctor who challenged the unicorn myth

Our era of fake news and medical misinformation is nothing new. Estelle Paranque relays the thrusts and parries of a 440-year-old row over a magical cure-all, the unicorn horn.

  • In pictures

Milkmaids and the image of purity

Once the ultimate symbol of both sexual virtue and product purity, the milkmaid’s wholesome image gradually became tainted as industrialisation eroded the rural idyll.

  • 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.

All stories (20)

Images

  • Fame proclaiming the virtues of the remedy Tabonuco Pectoral. Colour lithograph, ca. 1921.
  • Fame proclaiming the virtues of the remedy Tabonuco Pectoral. Colour lithograph, ca. 1921.
  • A tree bearing apples labelled with virtues; representing the life of Christian virtue. Coloured lithograph, 1870, after J. Bakewell, 1771.
  • The three theological virtues (Hope, Faith and Charity) are standing near an altar above which the Holy Spirit is hovering, while the the four cardinal virtues (Temperance, Justice, Fortitude and Wisdom) are sitting in the foreground. Engraving.
  • A short and candid account of the nature and virtues of the new Iron Pear-Tree water.
  • A short and candid account of the nature and virtues of the new Iron Pear-Tree water.
  • The three theological virtues: Faith enthroned in the middle; Charity on the left, and Hope on the right. Aquatint.
  • A bishop ordains John Horne Tooke as a priest: the devil replaces the ordinand's virtues with vices. Engraving, 1771.
  • In use 100 years : The Poor Man's Friend or ointment of many virtues ; Pilula Antiscrophula or alterative pills.
  • In use 100 years : The Poor Man's Friend or ointment of many virtues ; Pilula Antiscrophula or alterative pills.
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