In 1762, Jean-Jacques Rousseau wrote an influential book on the education of boys and girls. From a modern perspective, his views on the fundamental differences between the sexes are exceptional. Do traces of them still remain?
The Cabinet of Lost Minerals
In 1810, Sir Charles Greville's substantial collection of minerals were bought by the British Museum for a small fortune. Yesterday morning, before the public came, I met with the Minerals Curator to search for any of his specimens that we could find - over 200 years later.
The Story of Admiral Nelson in Cape Town
I love a good afternoon tea. Landing in Cape Town to a feast of cucumber sandwiches and scones at the Mount Nelson was heavenly. Nearly. The long history of racial inequality and stories of our Anglo Saxon empire endure in surprising ways.
Would you breast-feed a stranger’s child?
Nursing another woman's child used to be an respected and common form of employment in Britain. What happened?
Tokens of Love
After the festivities and the feasting, my mind turns to the tokens that mothers left to identify their babies at the Foundling Hospital in the 18th century. These pathetic scraps of hope are probably the most poignant objects I've ever seen.
Voyeurism and Rowlandson
We live in an abundantly voyeuristic period, where we can find anything that arouses us online. Yet, the 18th century artist, Thomas Rowlandson, illustrates that voyeurism isn't a modern phenomenon. Perhaps it's human nature.
The Season of Grottos
From late November, it's impossible to go anywhere in London without coming across a grotto. Some are for the whole family, some are made of cardboard and wrapping paper, some are Victorian-themed, but they all house a man in red with a long, white beard. Is he the 21st century oracle?
Lucy Roeber 
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