Flint nodule in the shape of a foot and shin, North-East England, 1908-1916

Flint nodule in shape of a foot and shin, carried or kept in the bedroom as a cure for gout, north-east England, 1908-1916

The growing influence of biomedicine in the 1800s did not necessarily replace established forms of treatment based on belief and superstition. What could be referred to a folk medicine – customs that often went back generations – continued to be practised. For example, the limb-shaped flint nodule on the left was carried around or kept in the bedroom as a cure for gout. It was believed that the pain was transferred from person to stone.

The piece of flint was a gift in 1916 from Edward Lovett (1852-1933), a collector of British amulets and charms. It is shown here with two other examples (A38134 and A665264).