Pewter leeches container, 19th century C017 / 3579
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Science Photo Library
Pewter leeches container, 19th century C017 / 3579
French pewter leeches container, dating from around the year 1820. Leeches (a type of worm) were used in medicine during this period as a method of bloodletting, leeches can suck several times their original body weight in blood when applied to the skin. Bloodletting was believed to treat patients with a wide range of ailments by removing surplus bodily humours (liquids within the body) which were thought to cause disease
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 9235957
© SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
1820 1820s Antique Blood Letting Blood Sucking Bloodletting Container French Leech Leeches Metal Metallic Nineteenth Century Pewter Red Background Worm Worms Humours
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases a French pewter leeches container dating back to the early 19th century, specifically around the year 1820. The container, displayed against a striking red background, exudes an air of historical significance and antiquity. During this period, leeches were employed as a peculiar yet widely accepted method of bloodletting in medicine. These remarkable worms possessed the ability to suck several times their own body weight in blood when applied to the skin. Bloodletting was believed to be an effective treatment for various ailments by removing excess bodily humours - fluids within the body that were thought to cause diseases. The intricate design and metallic sheen of this pewter container reflect its craftsmanship and importance in medical practices of yesteryears. It serves as a tangible reminder of how our understanding and approach towards healthcare have evolved over time. As we gaze upon this artifact from history, we are transported back to an era where unconventional methods like bloodsucking worms played a significant role in healing practices. This image encapsulates not only the scientific curiosity but also the cultural beliefs prevalent during those times. Courtesy of SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY, this photograph offers us a glimpse into medical history while simultaneously igniting our imagination about how far we have come in modern medicine's quest for knowledge and innovation.
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