Did Rembrandt's Bathsheba really have breast cancer?

BACKGROUND: Rembrandt's Bathsheba (Louvre, Paris) reveals an abnormality of the left breast and axilla. Previously breast cancer has been suggested as the probable diagnosis. METHODS: The present paper reviews the clinical history as well as the clinical findings. RESULTS: Inconsistencies, pitfalls in the diagnosis and the consequences of the possibility of a different model for the body of the figure are discussed. CONCLUSION: An alternative diagnosis of an infective process such as tuberculous mastitis or, less likely, chronic lactational breast abscess is suggested.     

Did the neurosurgeon warn the patient of the risks?

The patient had a neurosurgical operation and came out suffering neurological damage. Was the neurosurgeon negligent in carrying out the operation? Did he negligently fail to warn the patient of the risks? If the neurosurgeon was negligent, on what basis are the damages to be assessed? These issues arose in Chester v Afshar (2002) EWCA Civ 724; (2002) 3 All England Law Reports 552.     

Did Jean Condorcet (1743-1794) commit suicide?

Condorcet was a famous French mathematician, philosopher and revolutionary. In circumstances that are still unclear, he died in a cell of the Bourg-Egalité prison on 29 March 1794. Most historians of the French Revolution accept suicide as the most likely cause of death but we cannot rule out the possibility that he died of stroke or exhaustion.     

Did Michelangelo (1475-1564) have high-functioning autism?

In this paper evidence is presented that Michelangelo met the criteria for Asperger's disorder, or high-functioning autism. The evidence relates to his single-minded work routine, unusual lifestyle, limited interests, poor social and communication skills, and issues of life control. Depression and various medical conditions, including gout, renal colic and renal stones, did not stop his obsessive working habits.