Baron Harteloup's artificial leech, c 1850.
Image number: 10284563
The practice of bleeding, or bloodletting, was intended to drain 'poisons' or excess blood from the body in order to restore the balance of the humours. Bleeding was a popular therapy in the Middle Ages, and continued to be practised as late as the 19th century. In 1833, France imported over 40 million medicinal leeches.
- Image number:
- 10284563
- Credit:
- Science Museum/Science & Society Picture Library
- Date taken:
- 20 October 2003 12:36
- Image rights:
- Science Museum
