Information We Receive
When you visit the Historical Medicine Archive, our server automatically records routine technical information: your device’s Internet Protocol (IP) address, browser type and version, operating system, the referring page, the pages you request, and the time of each request. This data is used for operational purposes such as diagnosing server errors, analysing usage trends, and improving the catalogue’s performance.
Information You Provide Voluntarily
If you send us a message through the contact address ([email protected]), we receive the contents of your message and any contact details you choose to share. We use this correspondence solely to respond to your inquiry. We do not add your details to any mailing list or share them with third parties.
Site Preferences and Local Storage
Where enabled, the catalogue may store small pieces of information in your browser—such as a preference for text size or display mode—to improve your reading experience. These are not used for tracking.
Cookies
We use cookies and similar technologies for core functionality (for example, remembering your preference to remain logged in, if such a feature is offered) and, where you have consented, for analytics and advertising purposes. You can control cookies through your browser settings. Disabling certain cookies may affect the performance of some parts of the catalogue.
Analytics
Where enabled, we may use a third-party analytics service (such as Google Analytics) to collect aggregated information about how visitors use the site—for instance, which pages are most popular, how long visitors stay, and what links they follow. The service provider receives your IP address (truncated where possible) and sets its own cookies. We use this data solely to understand and improve the catalogue.
Advertising
Where advertising is displayed, we may use Google AdSense or a similar advertising service. These services may place cookies on your device and use web beacons to serve ads based on your visits to this site and other websites. The information collected includes your IP address, browser type, and interaction with ads. You can learn more about how Google uses data at policies.google.com/technologies/ads. To opt out of personalised advertising, visit Google’s Ads Settings or the Network Advertising Initiative opt-out page.
Third-Party Cookies and Web Beacons
Some third-party services integrated into the catalogue (such as embedded video players or social sharing buttons) may set their own cookies or use web beacons. We do not control these technologies. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of those services.
Purposes of Processing
We process personal data only for the following purposes:
- To operate and maintain the catalogue’s technical infrastructure.
- To respond to communications you send us.
- To analyse usage patterns and improve the catalogue.
- Where you have consented, to deliver relevant advertising.
Service Provider Access
We may engage limited third-party service providers (for example, hosting companies, analytics providers, and advertising networks) who have access to personal data only as necessary to perform their functions and under contractual obligations of confidentiality and security.
Security
We take reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect the information we hold against accidental or unlawful destruction, loss, alteration, unauthorised disclosure, or access. However, no method of transmission or storage is completely secure.
Data Retention
We retain server logs for a limited period necessary for operational and analytical purposes. Correspondence is retained only as long as needed to address the matter. Cookies and analytics data are retained according to the respective service’s retention policies.
Your Choices and Rights
You have the following rights regarding your personal data, subject to applicable law:
- Access: You may request a copy of the data we hold about you.
- Correction: You may ask us to correct inaccurate information.
- Deletion: You may request deletion of data we have collected from you.
- Objection: You may object to processing based on legitimate interests, including analytics and advertising.
- Withdrawal of Consent: Where processing is based on consent, you may withdraw it at any time without affecting the lawfulness of processing before withdrawal.
To exercise these rights, contact us at [email protected]. We will respond within a reasonable timeframe.
Browser Controls
Most browsers allow you to view, block, or delete cookies and to manage local storage. You can also adjust your browser’s Do Not Track setting. We honour such signals where technically feasible.
Consent Controls
Where we rely on consent for cookies or data collection, you can manage your preferences through the cookie consent banner or settings panel available on the site.
Children’s Privacy
The Historical Medicine Archive is not directed at children. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us, and we will take steps to delete it.
External Links
The catalogue may contain links to external websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any personal information.
International Access
This catalogue is hosted and operated from New Zealand. If you access it from outside New Zealand, your data may be transferred to, stored, and processed in New Zealand or other jurisdictions where our service providers operate. By using the catalogue, you acknowledge that your data may be transferred to countries with different data protection laws.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Material changes will be posted on this page. Your continued use of the catalogue after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.