Ep.15 - Head To Toe - Hands
Join us as we explore the history of medicine, from head to toe! This time: hands.
In this episode we explore hands through the ages – from the evil associated with left handed folk, to the soft white hands of the upper class woman.
Lead, arsenic and mercury were all applied to give the hands that pearly whiteness and soft hands acted as an indicator of class, status and refinement.
We also dig into the curative power of the Royal Touch and the history of hand washing.
And we finish up with some very animal-heavy treatments – including eating roasted mice and putting your finger in a cat’s ear!
Credits
Researcher and presenter: Laura Burgess has been a volunteer with RCPE Heritage since 2021 after completing her MA in History from UNC Charlotte.
Editor and producer: Sarah E Hayward completed her PhD in Museums and Heritage Studies at Kingston University London in 2023. She has been a volunteer with RCPE Heritage since 2021. She has a passion for archival research and she loves to explore creative ways to assemble and share the hidden stories she uncovers.
Researcher and presenter: Olivia Howarth is a volunteer with RCPE Heritage, a recently qualified archivist, heritage enthusiast and self-proclaimed lifetime nerd with an interest in medical history.
Historical clip: Sophie Goggins
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