What Are Cookies

Cookies are small text files placed on your device when you visit a website. They help the site remember your actions and preferences over time. This policy explains how Historical Medicine Archive uses cookies and similar storage technologies. We have designed this policy to be clear and practical, so you understand exactly what data may be stored and how you can control it.

Essential Cookies

We use essential cookies to enable core functions such as navigating the catalogue and maintaining session state. These cookies do not require your consent because they are necessary for the service to operate. Without them, you may be unable to access certain features or pages. Essential cookies are typically set in response to actions you take, such as logging in or filling in forms. They are not used for tracking or advertising.

Preference Cookies

Where enabled, we may store your preferences—such as text size, display mode, or language selections—in cookies or local storage. These allow the site to remember your choices on return visits. For example, if you select a larger font size for reading a classic medical text, that setting can be retained. Preference cookies are not strictly essential, but disabling them may reduce convenience. You can manage these through your browser settings.

Analytics Cookies

If analytics are enabled, we may use first-party cookies to collect anonymous aggregated data about how visitors use the catalogue—for example, which books are viewed or how pages are navigated. This information helps us understand reader interests and improve the site. No personal identifiers are stored in these cookies. The data we collect includes page views, session duration, and referral sources, all of which are aggregated and cannot be traced back to an individual. You can opt out of analytics cookies using the cookie consent tool if available.

Advertising Cookies

Where advertisements are displayed, we may use Google advertising technologies that place third-party cookies on your device. These cookies enable ad personalisation, frequency capping, and measurement of ad performance. The data collected may include browsing activity across websites. You can manage your Google ad settings at adssettings.google.com. Additionally, you can visit aboutads.info to learn more about opting out of interest-based advertising from participating companies.

Third-Party Cookies

Some pages may embed content from third-party services (for example, video players or social sharing buttons). These services may set their own cookies, over which we have no control. We recommend reviewing the privacy policies of those services for further information. Common examples include YouTube videos or embedded maps. These cookies are used by the third party for their own purposes, such as analytics or personalisation.

Session and Persistent Cookies

Session cookies are temporary and are deleted when you close your browser. Persistent cookies remain on your device for a set period or until you manually delete them. The specific duration varies per cookie; essential and preference cookies typically persist for a few hours to several months. For instance, a session cookie might last only as long as you are browsing the catalogue, while a preference cookie could last for a year to remember your chosen display settings.

Local Storage

In addition to cookies, we may use local storage technologies to store data such as reading progress or interface preferences. Local storage persists on your device and can be cleared through your browser settings. Unlike cookies, local storage is not automatically sent to the server with every request, making it suitable for storing larger amounts of data without affecting performance. You can view and manage local storage in your browser's developer tools or settings.

Your Choices

Consent Withdrawal

You may withdraw consent for non-essential cookies at any time by adjusting your browser settings or using the cookie consent tool provided on this site (if available). Withdrawal will not affect the essential functionality of the catalogue. If you choose to withdraw consent, any cookies already placed may remain on your device until they expire or are deleted manually.

Browser Controls

Most browsers allow you to view, block, or delete cookies and local storage. Instructions are typically found in the browser’s help menu. Please note that disabling all cookies may impair site performance and prevent access to certain features. For example, blocking essential cookies may prevent you from logging in or using the catalogue's advanced search functions. We recommend allowing essential cookies while managing non-essential ones according to your preferences.

Opt-Out of Google Advertising

To opt out of personalised advertising by Google, visit adssettings.google.com. You can also install the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on to prevent data collection by Google Analytics. This add-on is available for most major browsers and provides a simple way to opt out across all websites that use Google Analytics.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page. Your continued use of the site after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the revised policy. We encourage you to review this policy periodically to stay informed about how we use cookies and similar technologies.

Contact

If you have questions about our use of cookies, please contact the editor at [email protected]. We are happy to provide further clarification or assist with any concerns you may have regarding your privacy and data.