A woman using leeches for bloodletting. Woodcut from Willem van den Bossches Historia Medica, published in 1638

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A woman using leeches for bloodletting. Woodcut from Willem van den Bossches Historia Medica, published in 1638

BLOODLETTING, 1638.
A woman using leeches for bloodletting. Woodcut from Willem van den Bossches Historia Medica, published in 1638

Granger holds millions of images spanning more than 25,000 years of world history, from before the Stone Age to the dawn of the Space Age

Media ID 8866977

1638 Blood Bloodletting Leech Medicine Willem Bloodsucker

EDITORS COMMENTS
This woodcut from Willem van den Bossches Historia Medica, published in 1638, transports us back to a time when bloodletting was considered a common medical practice. In this intriguing image, we witness a woman using leeches for the purpose of bloodletting. The woodcut beautifully captures the intensity and curiosity surrounding this ancient therapeutic technique. Bloodletting, or the intentional removal of blood from the body, was believed to restore balance and alleviate various ailments. Leeches were often employed as "bloodsuckers" due to their ability to extract blood without causing significant pain or injury. This particular scene portrays a woman engaging in self-care by applying leeches on her own skin. The intricate details of the woodcut highlight both the delicate nature of this procedure and its historical significance in medicine. The expressions on the woman's face convey a mix of apprehension and hope as she undergoes this traditional treatment. Van den Bossche's Historia Medica serves as an invaluable record of medical practices during that era, shedding light on how our understanding of health has evolved over time. This print not only offers us insight into past beliefs but also invites contemplation about our present-day medical advancements. As we gaze at this remarkable artwork, we are reminded that even though certain practices may seem archaic today, they played an essential role in shaping our current knowledge and approach towards healthcare.

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