In this article, we take a light-hearted (but respectful) look at the infamous Bills of Mortality — strange historical records that listed causes of death ranging from the baffling to the downright bizarre. From “fright” and “teeth” to being “eaten by lice,” these documents offer an oddly fascinating glimpse into how people once tried to make sense of life, death, and everything in between.

Read more: London’s Bills of Mortality