Leprosy, or Hansen’s disease, is a chronic bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium leprae that affects the skin, nerves, and mucous membranes. If untreated, it can lead to nerve damage, loss of sensation, muscle weakness, and visible physical changes. Despite its long history of fear and misunderstanding, leprosy is only mildly contagious and is fully curable today with effective antibiotic treatment. In the 1890s, medical knowledge about leprosy was limited, and many societies believed the

The Bone Museum on Instagram: "Pott’s disease, also known as spinal tuberculosis, leaves unmistakable signatures on the spine. When Mycobacterium tuberculosis spreads beyond the lungs and settles into the vertebrae, it slowly destroys the bone from the inside out. Over time, the collapsing vertebrae create a sharp, angular curve in the back called a gibbus deformity, one of the hallmark features of this condition. At the Bone Museum, we can actually see the history of this infection etched into