Latest articles

Seasonality and early childhood mortality in the Netherlands, 1812-1912
In 19th century Netherlands, early childhood mortality strongly increased in the summer and during heat waves and cold spells.

Urban mortality in Greece, 1860–1940
This post examines the patterns of mortality decline in the Greek urban centre of Hermoupolis and the pathways facilitating such decline.

Research note: The legacy of colonial medicine in Central Africa
Summary of the work of Lowes and Montero (2021) showing the lasting impact of colonial medical campaigns on current trust in medicine.

Where money does not flow: Finance and the diffusion of the Dutch sanitary revolution,
What drove the Dutch sanitary revolution? I draw on contemporary newspapers to argue that financial difficulties played a key role.

The industrial revolution and the origins of modern sanitation
The industrial revolution was necessary to trigger investments in sanitary infrastructures, but not sufficient: better medicine and politics were essential.

Local Health Departments and the Puerto Rican Health Miracle
Local health departments played an important role in reducing mortality during the early days of Puerto Rico’s little-known health miracle.