In today’s History newsletter: The true story behind the British secret agency that helped launch James Bond, and learn all about the Mongols. Also, readers can now listen to one of their favorite history stories about the unsolved mystery of Ireland’s missing crown jewels.

But first: What was a drugstore like in medieval Europe? 

Europeans in the Middle Ages were no strangers to diseases and plagues. When suffering from health problems, they did the same as people today: They looked to medicine in the hope for a cure, or at least for the easing of pain. People bought, ingested, or applied items that are still familiar—potions, ointments, and pills. The chemistry of such medication, however, was very different, and could include precious stones (agate was a remedy for eye complaints, while jasper was thought to counter hemorrhoids); mineral waters; products derived from animals or even humans (nails, urine, blood); and, above all, a great variety of plants.

Thanks for reading today’s newsletter, edited and curated by William O'Connor and produced by Alisher Egamov. Sign up here to get our future adventures in your inbox.