Plagues and past pandemics

In 1665 King Charles II asked the Royal College of Physicians for a book to help London cope with the plague outbreak, including how to identify the plague, how to clean houses, and how to make medicines using household ingredients such as red roses, sage, and saffron. From the archives: Manuscript on preventing the infection of the plague (1665)

Folk medicine and old wives' tales

Recipe books have become a notable focus of scholarship on the social history of early modern medicine, especially the history of scurvy. Scurvy had a significant impact on the health of sailors, on a long voyage a ship could lose between a quarter and a third of its crew. From the archives: Lady Sedley’s recipe book (1686)

Mental health

Modern research into mental health is a relatively new field of study, coming into prominence during WWI due to an increase in cases of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and its precursor “shell shock”, also known as “soldier’s heart”. From the archives: Doctor’s case notes on “soldier’s heart” (1910-1919)

Smallpox and vaccinations

Edward Jenner (1749–1823), an English physician and scientist, pioneered the smallpox vaccine. As this was the first vaccine, much of the general public was sceptical, even after evidence of its efficacy. Until his death, Jenner continued to advocate on behalf of vaccination. From the archives: The diary of Edward Jenner (1787 – 1806)

Women's health

The consequences of historical practices and policies on women’s health still impact the modern world today. In the 1800’s we see an increase in medical documents on birth control, pregnancy, and abortion, discussing safety and best practices in addition to law and policies. From the archives:  Report on “Criminal Abortion” (1896)