'We are now making our usual getaway': the Advanced Medical Science Institute's miraculous machines

A charismatic young showman called X W Wittman claimed to have a device that could see inside the human body.

Feb 5 • Caroline Rance

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December 2025

On sledge and horseback ... to scandal

Victorian nurse Kate Marsden completed an incredible mission across Siberia – but not everyone appreciated her efforts.

Dec 8, 2025 • Caroline Rance

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October 2025

The Brinkerhoff System

In 1877, Alexander W Brinkerhoff introduced an effective – and lucrative – treatment for piles.

Oct 28, 2025 • Caroline Rance

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September 2025

Death, sweat and fears in Tudor England

The mystery of the English sweating sickness still hasn't been solved, but in 1552 Dr John Caius gave his view on what caused it, and how to avoid it.

Sep 30, 2025 • Caroline Rance

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July 2025

No more ugly ears

Claxton's Ear-Cap offered Victorian mothers a way to prevent their little ones' ears from sticking out.

Jul 23, 2025 • Caroline Rance

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June 2025

There are no Z-rays

The Zerret Applicator promised powerful healing rays from another world.

Jun 30, 2025 • Caroline Rance

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The pin is mightier than the sword

Early 20th-century street harassers met their match in the humble hat pin

Jun 9, 2025 • Caroline Rance

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May 2025

'You cannot prevent me from becoming a dentist!'

Lilian Lindsay (1871-1960) overcame opposition to qualify as the UK's first female Licenciate in Dental Surgery

May 9, 2025 • Caroline Rance

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April 2025

Caught short on a long trip

Discreet india-rubber receptacles helped Victorian rail passengers survive their journey

Apr 17, 2025 • Caroline Rance

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March 2025

Filling in the stories of women dentists

When the first UK Dentists Register was published in 1879, it didn't exclude women.

Mar 25, 2025 • Caroline Rance

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February 2025

'An innocent Welshman, and not an American'

A practitioner in 1860s Wales tried to convince patients that their troubles were down to witchcraft.

Feb 28, 2025 • Caroline Rance

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A thorn in the flesh

A Victorian doctor's own mysterious symptoms puzzled his eminent friends

Feb 21, 2025 • Caroline Rance

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